EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
So I’m not really in a position to describe how that would work because it’s up to the Embrace Life Council, but we do work with them, we partner together, and our contribution, I can say to the member right off the bat, is really the overhead cost, which is significant as well.
What I’m trying to pin down is whether there is adequate funding to be able to implement the action plan itself.
With the funding that he was referring to from the federal government, of which he spoke in terms of where it’s allocated and how it’s spent, will this funding be adequate to implement the action plan?
My personal response is that funding is never adequate because we pretty much have a huge territory to cover travel costs as well as the other expenses that tend to add up.
We are grateful to the Parliament, though, as they have issued a formal position on that. We intend to take advantage of that and seek further assistance from the federal government on that.
I think that if the Members of this House were to give support to the federal position, it would certainly help us a lot. We need more funding and we will do whatever we can within our own resources. Most of that will likely be announced as we head towards the operations and maintenance session in the wintertime.
Question 160 – 3(3): Nunavut Version of ASIST (Elliott)
The Nunavut Suicide Prevention Action Plan was tabled on September 28, 2011. I note that one of the objectives of the action plan is to deliver a Nunavut-specific version of the applied suicide intervention training to all interested Nunavummiut, called Uqaqatigiigluk! I practiced it but I didn’t get it right; Talk About It!
According to the plan, this initiative has been ongoing since April 2010.
Can the minister confirm that the Nunavut version of the ASIST is complete and, if so, would he agree to table a copy in the House before the end of this sitting?
Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not sure whether I’m speaking the same language with the member or not.
From what I know, Uqaqatigiigluk! is an ongoing and living part of the implementation process. Whoever wishes to take advantage of that program, that program will remain in effect.
I think it’s a very important one and in my statement, I will indicate some statistics which may help the member.
Right now, the members are working hard to develop the programming aspects of the objectives in the action plan. Once these plans are in place, the program… . The communities are also, as we speak, waiting further for more information on that.
So I think the member can wait a few more days before he makes further questions and we may answer all of his questions then.
I guess I am confused, so maybe I should get it clarified. My understanding was that the ASIST program, which is a document that has a core curriculum and specific objectives that they try to get across, was produced by a company, I believe, called Living Works.
Throughout the growth and development of the action plan and with the strategy, that ASIST workshop was what we always call “Nunavutized” through different panels, through assistance with NTI and different groups to make it more culturally relevant for people within Nunavut.
My understanding was that it was supposed to be changed and written down so that it could then be presented to different communities in Inuktitut and with that culturally relevant component to it.
What I was asking is if that has been done because it is in the action plan under 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3, where it talks about this. It’s supposed to be done and I was asking the question of whether it has been done and, if it has been done, if the minister could table that document here in the House before the end of this sitting.
I certainly could do that.
I’ll look into it and the member may wish to log on to the various websites. I’m sure that it’s available on their website as well, but I will look into the facts.
If it’s available, I’ll table it.
What’s more important for me to offer the member is whether or not he wishes to take advantage of the ASIST program and training.
I am interested and I had asked a while ago that I should take part in that. So if some members wish to take ASIST training, it could be maybe a couple hours.
As well, it talks about coaches and the coaches would be the qualified individuals who have actually taken the ASIST workshop but then have taken that extra step to learn how to present the workshop. As the minister said, it’s a very sensitive topic.
I’m just wondering: in terms of consistency across the territory and making sure that the key points within the ASIST workshop go out, who is actually responsible for keeping that log of coaches?
Is it the Department of Health and Social Services? Is it one of the other partners? NTI?
I’m just curious to find out: if we want to take it, then who do we get who is qualified and how do we find out who is qualified?
I certainly don’t have that level of detail. I trust our partners that whoever they assign is qualified, no doubt about it. They’re dealing with mental health issues and so on.
I would not at all undermine their professional ability to appoint someone and whoever they appoint is qualified. I can guarantee you that because otherwise, it will be difficult to fund that kind of a program if they would just pick someone on the street or whatnot.
Once I table the information provided, it will, no doubt, contain that.
Again I thank you for your answers, Minister Curley.
Like you said, I’m sure a lot of people are curious about taking the ASIST and wanting to know how to take it. I have taken it myself back when I was working at Inuujaq School and it’s definitely a valuable tool to help you understand and see signs for people who are possibly contemplating suicide and just helps you understand how to try and help.
I think there are a lot of people in the communities who want to be able to help and maybe they don’t know how to help or they’re scared to maybe cause a bigger problem by actually trying to help, so this program is very valuable.
I’m just wondering: if there are individuals within the community… ?
I know I had asked the Premier this question and she said that teachers and staff within the school who are interested can talk to their principal and ask them, but for individuals in the community, say, you know, average people in the community, people who work for the hamlet, who do they go to?
Is there a website that they can go to, to try and find out where the courses are and how they can take them?
These are very good suggestions from the member.
He’s not alone in wanting more information. I know when I appeared before the mayors in the Kivalliq, there certainly was a discussion on that.
I assured the mayors that I would the copies of the strategy as well as the action plan, and I will continue to do that and consult with my officials.
They will make the information available in the language that they can understand and probably in a variety of ways that they should make that information.
When I do make a statement, I’m sure that that will be included in that.
I will also encourage our officials to consult with our partners and that they simplify the information and provide them to the appropriate communities. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members will note that the time for question period is elapsed.
Tabled Document 098 – 3(3): Project Briefing on Piqutivut-Building our Capital: Places to Play, Protect and Prosper (Ell)
As you know, Iqaluit’s MLAs recently had the opportunity to meet with officials from the City of Iqaluit to discuss issues of concern to Nunavut’s capital city.
I am pleased today to table a copy of a project briefing and report prepared by the city concerning that Piqutivut-Building our Capital report that the city wishes to proceed with in the coming years. I will be addressing this issue later at our session.
Can I ask one of the pages to please bring the document to the front.
Tabled Document 099 – 3(3): 2011 Annual Report of the Utility Rates Review Council of Nunavut (Arreak)
I am pleased to table the following document: 2011 Annual Report of the Utility Rates Review Council of Nunavut.
I apologize. You were doing that as the Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council.
Tabled Document 100 – 3(3): Photograph of Grise Fiord Powerhouse (Elliott)
Tabled Document 101 – 3(3): Canada Ducked an Arctic Bullet (Elliott)
Tabled Document 102 – 3(3): Resolute Bay Should Be Developed as a Major Government Facility, Arctic Security Hub (Elliott)
I have two items to table today.
I wish to table a photograph of the powerhouse in Grise Fiord that was taken earlier this year.
As members will note, the facility has been experiencing problems with flooding.
Mr. Speaker, I am not an engineer, but I don’t think that water and electricity go well together, so I encourage the Qulliq Energy Corporation to continue to work to address this situation.
Secondly, following up on my questions yesterday to the minister responsible for emergency management, I wish to table two recent articles from the Hill Times newspaper, both of which were written by the former commander of Joint Task Force North.
The first article is titled “Canada ducked an Arctic bullet” and the second article is titled “Resolute Bay should be developed as a major government facility, Arctic security hub.”
Tabled Document 103 – 3(3): Report from the Integrity Commissioner (Speaker)
I have a document to table. Pursuant to section 44 of the Integrity Act, I am tabling the Report of the Integrity Commissioner concerning the Member for South Baffin.
Item 14. Notices of Motions. Mr. Elliott.
Motion 017 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations – Notice (Elliott)
I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Baker Lake, that the Legislative Assembly make appointments and revocations to its standing committees and other positions.
Bill 16 – Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act – Notice
Bill 17 – Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012 – Notice
Bill 18 – An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity (Spousal Benefits and Obligations) – Notice
Bill 19 – Family Support Orders Enforcement Act – Notice
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Judicature Act (Court Rules) – Notice
Bill 21 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011, No. 3 – Notice
I have six notices of motions for first reading of bills, so if you will indulge me, I’ll remain standing and read them all.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 16, Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 17, Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 18, An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 19, Family Support Orders Enforcement Act, be read for the first time.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Judicature Act, be read for the first time.
And finally, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 21, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011, No. 3, be read for the first time.
Bill 23 – An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act – Notice
I give notice that on Friday, October 21, 2011, that Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act, be read for the first time.
I just want to make it clear for the record that it is Bill 23 that has been given notice today for first reading.
Motion 017 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations (Elliott)
AND WHEREAS section 38 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly shall appoint members to the Management and Services Board;
AND WHEREAS section 43 of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act provides that the Legislative Assembly shall elect two Deputy Chairpersons of the Committee of the Whole;
AND WHEREAS the Members of the Legislative Assembly for Iqaluit West, Pangnirtung, and Tununiq have taken office;
AND WHEREAS the Member for South Baffin has been selected to serve on the Executive Council;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Baker Lake, that the Legislative Assembly make appointments and revocations to its standing committees and other positions;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that Ms. Monica Ell be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Legislation, a member of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, a member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development, and an alternate member of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Legislation, a member of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, a member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development, and an alternate member of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that Mr. Joe Enook be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Legislation, a member of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, and a member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development.
AND FURTHER I MOVE that Ms. Monica Ell be appointed a member of the Management and Services Board;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that Joe Enook be appointed a Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that the appointments of Mr. Johnny Ningeongan as a member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development and an alternate member of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness be revoked;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that Mr. Johnny Ningeongan be appointed a member of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness and an alternate member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that the appointments of Mr. Fred Schell as a Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole, a member of the Management and Services Board, a member of the Standing Committee on Legislation, a member of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, and a member of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development be revoked.
Bills 13, 14, and 15 with Mr. Tapardjuk in the Chair.
Before we proceed any further, we will take a 20-minute break.
>>House adjourned at 15:24 and Committee resumed at 15:46
Chairman (Mr. Tapardjuk) (interpretation): Thank you for coming back.
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: (interpretation ends) Bills 13, 14, and 15. (interpretation) What is the wish of the committee?
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We wish to commence with Bill 15, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013, and start with the Department of Community and Government Services.
If time permits, Mr. Chairman, we will then proceed with the Department of Education. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with Bill 15?
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee
We will deal with the capital estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services.
Minister Kusugak, do you have any opening comments before you appear before the Committee of the Whole?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, my colleagues.
Yes, I have opening comments. Can I start now?
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, I am here today to update you on the 2012-13 Capital Estimates for the Department of Community and Government Services.
CGS provides capital planning services to all departments to assist them in developing a wide range of infrastructure for the benefit of all Nunavummiut.
CGS is also responsible for assessing and securing funding for the annual capital needs for all our communities.
The department ensures community input into the decision-making process via the Nunavut Community Infrastructure Advisory Committee.
This committee has a balanced government and hamlet membership, and has just recently completed the development of the long-term integrated community sustainability plans, or ICSPs, for each community in Nunavut.
The completion of these plans will ensure that the future planning process takes into account all environmental, cultural, social, and economic goals.
In addition, the ICSPs will provide both government departments/agencies and the community itself with a long-term vision for their infrastructure development.
Mr. Chairman, the GN is now in the process of implementing a new capital planning process with associated ranking criteria to strengthen the quality of the decision-making process.
Changes to the existing approach to capital planning are required to better define the project scope during the business case development process.
This will ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget.
Mr. Chairman, to address the issue of granular, CGS is developing a comprehensive management strategy to ensure there is sufficient capacity at the community level to sustain the granular program over the long term.
This strategy will address program delivery, commitment from other GN departments, security requirements, and user fees in order to generate revenues for municipalities so they can sustain the program.
In addition, we will be expanding the Kitikmeot Granular Program for gravel crushing for both Gjoa Haven and Kugluktuk during the summer of 2012.
In response to community requests for gasification technology for managing municipal solid waste sites, the department has completed a solid waste management study and is currently analyzing the results to determine best practices.
Once the recommendations of the study are analyzed, the department will include management and construction of new solid waste sites in the capital planning process for consideration by the government.
The Canada-wide Strategy for the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent (MWWE) has established new standards of effluent quality across Canada.
The new standards are more stringent than those currently adopted in Nunavut’s water licences. At present, these new standards do not apply in Nunavut. The strategy has granted Nunavut and other northern jurisdictions the opportunity to conduct science and research over a period of five years.
In February 2014, the period for research will end.
In response to this research window granted by CCME, the department has hired Dalhousie University to conduct long-term studies to better understand the capability of Nunavut’s wastewater facility and methods which can enhance their effectiveness.
Mr. Chairman, CGS, in consultation with INAC and NAMA, is working with municipalities to establish daily procedures to assist municipalities in complying with their water licence requirements.
INAC is assisting the working group to seek federal funding for training municipal operators to improve the management of their water and waste management programs.
Mr. Chairman, some significant water and waste projects are already underway, including upgrades to the Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, Kugaaruk, Pangnirtung, and Sanikiluaq, as well as the Baker Lake Intake Pumphouse.
In the Petroleum Products Division, we continue to try and meet new and evolving regulations for storage facilities.
The demand for petroleum products storage capacity continues to increase. We are currently working to meet these demands within the GN's limited resources.
With respect to our department’s five-year capital plan, we recognize that we will be facing many challenges over the next five years.
These include addressing the deterioration in our aging community infrastructure.
I had the opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to discuss the importance of adequate, predictable, flexible, and long-term funding to address municipal infrastructure needs with Denis Lebel, the federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities during the Minister of Local Government meeting held in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick this July.
Minister Lebel advised me that his staff will be travelling to all Canadian jurisdictions to seek input from provincial and territorial governments for future funding for the Gas Tax Program and other federal municipal infrastructure programs.
We look forward to meeting with officials from Infrastructure Canada to discuss municipal infrastructure needs in Nunavut.
With continued funding from federal programs, such as the Building Canada Fund and extension of the Gas Tax Program, we are confident that we can continue to be effective in trying to meet the needs of our communities as they arise.
Mr. Chairman, we recognize that the timeline for repairs, renovations, retrofits, and replacements requested by the communities sometimes exceeds what can be accomplished in our individual yearly budgets.
Our awareness of the needs and the challenges communities face helps us chart our course during the capital planning process.
Our intention is to support communities and try to address the needs of all Nunavummiut to the best of our ability and resources.
I greatly appreciate the opportunity to appear before you and I look forward to the questions, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Yes, please, Mr. Chairman, with your indulgence.
To my left is Deputy Minister Kathleen Lausman and to my right is Assistant Deputy Minister Roy Green here with me today, Mr. Chairman.
Welcome, Mr. Green and Ms. Lausman, to the Committee of the Whole.
I believe the chair of the standing committee have opening comments.
We are waiting for Stephen to get the opening comments and they will be brought down as soon as possible.
As soon as you are able to start your opening comments, Mr. Rumbolt, you may.
We don’t have copies of your opening comments, but if you would like to start your opening comments, we will just listen. We will read them once we have received them.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2012-13 Capital Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services.
Members note that the department is proposing to spend $31.27 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year.
The department’s capital budget was $34,022,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal year and $35,954,000 for the 2010-11 fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, this department’s operations have a major impact on the success of the GN’s overall capital planning process.
On June 9, 2011, the Minister of Finance appeared before the Committee of the Whole on the occasion of its consideration of Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2011-2012.
In his opening comments, the minister indicated that $77.62 million would be allocated for departmental 2010-11 capital carryovers to 2011-12.
Approximately 120 capital projects were carried over.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, the minister indicated in his opening comments that “the GN is now in the process of implementing a new capital planning process with associated ranking criteria to strengthen the quality of the decision-making process.
This will ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget.”
Mr. Chairman, members were also advised that the Nunavut Community Infrastructure Advisory Committee has “recently completed the development of the long-term integrated community sustainability plans, or ICSPs, for each community [in Nunavut].