EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
It is envisioned that colorectal cancer would be the next program to look at introducing once cervical cancer screening is established.
A screening method for lung cancer (which accounts for Nunavut’s greatest number of cancers) does not exist.
HSS delivers many cancer prevention programs in the communities.
The most important ones are those related to smoking, as lung cancer in Nunavut is the highest in Canada.
Since there are no effective screening tests for lung cancer, it is very difficult to detect early and is almost always fatal.
The other cancer prevention programs relate to healthy eating and physical activity.
In general, it has been estimated that approximately one third of cancer cases are related to smoking, one third to poor diet and lack of exercise, and one third to genetic, environmental and other factors.
HSS staff met with representatives of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC), the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on May 17th, 2011 to determine the priority status of chronic disease and cancer in Nunavut and to agree on concrete collaborative actions to address priority gaps.
Three priorities were identified:
To develop an organised cervical screening program with support from CPAC and PHAC;
To work collaboratively on an integrated education plan for community-level health workers; and
To explore and scope out the potential for a web-based information system for Nunavut.
As stated, one lifestyle factor known to have protective effects against cancer is healthy eating.
A variety of programs which promote healthy eating are offered in communities funded through the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative, and Brighter Futures.
There are also new funds that are available through Nutrition North Canada to enhance community nutrition programming.
The current total investment from these program budgets that is focused on promotion of healthy eating is over $3 million.
This includes $1.2 million for the Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program, $834,000 for Nutrition North Canada community education (both of these have a nutrition-specific focus) and based on community priorities, a portion of the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative and Brighter Future programming is generally allocated to nutrition related programming.
Another key prevention for cancer is tobacco reduction.
While there currently is no core departmental funding for tobacco reduction programs, the department employs both a Tobacco Reduction Specialist and a Health Promotion Specialist who oversees the area of tobacco reduction across Nunavut and will be responsible for implementation of the forthcoming Nunavut Tobacco Reduction Framework for Action.
The department’s funding for prevention, education and cessation initiatives come from Federal grants and contributions.
Current federal investments in tobacco reduction in Nunavut are in the amount of $613,000 with additional commitments still being negotiated.
It is not possible to put a figure on the cancer screening programs currently available in Nunavut because they are absorbed as part of the ongoing costs of running health centres.
When the cervical cancer screening program is developed, the cost of this program will be tracked.
Return to Written Question 006 – 3(3): Update on New Taloyoak Health Centre
To date, $630,000 has been allocated to the Taloyoak Replace Health Centre project for planning, advertising and design costs.
The costs for the shared design were allocated across the Repulse Bay, Arctic Bay and Taloyoak Replacement Health Centre projects because they share a common design.
However, prior to 2006, the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS) also spent a further $213,000 on an initial project to renovate and build an addition to the original health centre in Taloyoak.
There have been two designs started, and one of them has been completed.
The first design was deemed unfeasible for construction due to the complexity of undertaking a renovation and addition to an operating health centre.
In 2002/2003, the Technical Services Division of the Department of Community and Government Services (CGS) carried out a building assessment which recommended upgrades to the facility to meet current National Building Codes.
This, in conjunction with a need for a larger facility identified by HSS to service the community in the coming years, resulted in a Project Brief being developed for a renovation and addition project.
Subsequently, in 2004, FSC Architects and Engineers were issued a design contract through an RFP process for the addition and renovation project.
In October of 2004, the Government of Nunavut (GN) mandated HSS to construct Continuing Care Centres for Elders within the lifetime of the 2nd Legislative Assembly.
Due to the redirection of construction funding in subsequent years of the GN Capital Plan, the renovation and addition design process was put on hold.
However, it had been identified by the design consultant that in order to undertake the addition and renovation of the Taloyoak Health Centre, no fewer than 5 phases of construction would be required.
Due to the complexity associated with this phased construction, HSS requested that CGS review the feasibility of a standalone facility.
Construction of a standalone facility was recommended and accepted by HSS on the basis that the phased construction would have a substantial impact on the quality of health services available in Taloyoak.
When the Repulse Bay and Taloyoak projects were reinitiated by HSS in 2006, it was identified that Arctic Bay also required a replacement of its aging health facility.
HSS and CGS reviewed the functional programs of all three facilities and deemed them similar to the point that a common design would suit the requirements of each community.
A project brief common to all three facilities was subsequently developed, a competitive RFP issued, and a design contract awarded to FSC Architects and Engineers in 2008 for design of a health facility for Repulse Bay, which would be repeated in Taloyoak and Arctic Bay.
Since 2008, the design has developed to a tender-ready state for Taloyoak.
HSS officials traveled to Taloyoak in November 2009 to provide a presentation of the design at a Hamlet Council meeting.
Carry over funds of $100,000 was approved for 2011/2012 to complete any design changes (due possibly to changes to National Building Codes) prior to release and advertisement of construction RFP.
The bulk of approved funding was carried over and spent in 2008/2009 on the common design noted above.
Actual costs allocated to the Taloyoak Replace Health Centre project for the common design contract were $553,000 in 2008/2009.
The design is ready for tender, subject to capital construction funding approval.
Some relatively minor modifications may be required to bring the design up to the 2010 National Building Code requirements.
The Department has submitted its 2013-2017 capital plan for approval by the Financial Management Board (FMB).
If the Department’s capital plan is approved by FMB and subsequently, in the Legislative Assembly, the Taloyoak Replace Health Centre project construction start date could be 2013/2014.
As noted above, the approval of a budget for construction of the Taloyoak Replace Health Centre project has not occurred.
If a budget is approved, the anticipated opening date of the Taloyoak Replace Health Centre project could occur in 2014/2015.
Return to Written Question 007 – 3(3): Community Access Roads Program Expenditures (
The Department’s expenditures on the Access Road Program for the fiscal years 20092010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012 are as tabulated below:
Community Access Road Program Approved Contributions
Fiscal Years 2009/10-2011-12
Hamlet of Arviat
Hamlet of Baker Lake
Hamlet of Cambridge Bay
Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet
Hamlet of Coral Harbour
Hamlet of Gjoa Haven
Hamlet of Hall Beach
Hamlet of Igloolik
City of Iqaluit
Hamlet of Kimmirut
Hamlet of Kugaaruk
Hamlet of Kugluktuk
Hamlet of Pangnirtung
Hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq
Hamlet of Rankin Inlet
Hamlet of Repulse Bay
Hamlet of Resolute Bay
Hamlet of Sanikiluaq
Hamlet of Taloyoak - Red Fish Lake
Hamlet of Taloyoak - Netsilik Lake
Hamlet of Taloyoak - Middle Lake
Hamlet of Whale Cove
Community Access Road Program Actual Expenditures
Fiscal Years 2009/10 & 2010/11
187,000
18,400
In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, there are two columns; the one labeled GN details the department’s program expenditures, and the one labeled CAF details expenditure of funds originating in the federal Community Adjustment Fund, which was a one-time opportunity under Canada’s Economic Action Plan (stimulus funding).
The Community Access Roads Program is funded and operated under the Community Transportation Initiatives Policy.
Communities are invited to submit proposals in the spring of every year.
In order for the department to properly assess the proposals, the following information is requested in each proposal:
A map (typically a copy of a relevant National Topographical System sheet) of the proposed road/trail indicating the route and length;
The type of road/trail proposed (for example, an all-terrain vehicle trail or a four wheel drive truck road, seasonal or year-round use);
The estimated total cost of the road/trail and the number of years to construct;
The total cost for the present year of construction;
Proposed community involvement in terms of project management and utilization of local labour, equipment and materials;
Contribution and involvement expected from EDT;
Benefits of the proposed access (for example improved access to hunting, fishing and recreation areas; and
Any environmental impacts foreseen from the project and envisaged land use permits or water licence requirements.
Once all proposals are received, they are rated based on the following four criteria drawn from the governing policy:
degree to which the proposal meets the program objectives;
capability of the community to manage and carry out the work;
extent the community is prepared to contribute to the funding of the project; and
extent to which local labour and municipal equipment is utilized.
The amount of the department’s contribution to each community is based on the amount requested, the rating assigned using the above criteria, and a factor of how much funding is available in comparison to the total funding requested from all communities.
For example, a 100,000 request, rated at 27 points out of a possible 40, in a year when total requests were 1.6 million could look something like this:
100,000 X (27/40) X (500/1600) = 21,093.75
In most instances, the contribution amount is rounded to the nearest 5,000.00.
Contributions less than 25,000 are disbursed in a single payment following execution of the contribution agreement.
Contributions greater than 25,000 are disbursed in two payments, the first being 80% of the total contribution, disbursed upon execution of the agreement; the second being the remaining 20%, disbursed upon receipt of a statement of community expenditures and progress made on the project.
Communities are expected to report all expenditures directly attributable to the project and to provide an updated map or statement of the work completed in each year.
The Department’s role in the Community Access Road Program is to provide funding towards construction of community owned infrastructure.
The Department is not involved in the selection or engagement of contractors.
In Gjoa Haven the Swan Lake Access Road has been constructed to a place where a bridge is required.
Over the past several years funding from the Community Access Road Program has been used to design a suitable bridge and to purchase and ship the components of the bridge.
In 2010-11 the community’s stated intention was to install the bridge; however, due to “local equipment failures/local freezing conditions” the work was not completed as planned.
The community is planning to undertake this work in 2011-12.
In past years Taloyoak has worked to simultaneously extend roads to Middle Lake, Netsilik Lake, and Red Fish Lake.
The current year’s submission is requesting funding only for the trail to Red Fish Lake.
According to the community’s 2011-12 submission, the trail to Red Fish Lake requires removal of large stones and boulders, placement of gravel, and substantial work on at least three river crossings.
Return to Written Question 008 – 3(3): Capital Project Change Orders
Refer attached summary
The GN has been concerned with the increase number and value of capital project change orders over the past several years.
The increase in change orders have been attributed, not limited, to the following:
Outdated standards and criteria that no longer reflect the infrastructure needs of Nunavummiut;
The scope of work is not properly defined; as a result, the scope of work changes after the projects are approved;
Changes in code and regulation;
Emergency situations;
Site conditions ;and
Project enhancement
The GN has approved changes to the existing capital planning process, which will require departments to undertake a more rigorous pre-planning process to gather and analyze information, before projects are introduced into the Five-Year Capital Plan.
As part of the new capital planning process, all departments are required to update or complete new standards and criteria for the new capital planning process.
The Department of Community and Government Services has created a project management office division at headquarters that will provide support and direction to regional project management staff.
While the GN is taking steps to reduce the number of change orders after the construction contracts are awarded, it is prudent that the GN continue to include a contingency in construction contracts for unplanned and unforeseen events.
Hon. Fred Schell
Minister of Human Resources
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Pages 1091 – 1151
Opening Prayer 1091
Ministers’ Statements 1091
Members’ Statements 1094
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1101
Oral Questions 1102
Tabling of Documents 1118
Notices of Motions 1119
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1119
Motions 1120
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1122
Committee Motions 1147
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1150
Orders of the Day 1150
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 1091
068 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Taptuna) 1091
069 – 3(3): Crash of First Air Flight 6560 – Resolute Bay (Aariak) 1092
070 – 3(3): Power Disruption in Nunavut (Kusugak) 1093
110 – 3(3): Suicide Prevention Strategy for Nunavut (Ell) 1094
111 – 3(3): Emergency Preparedness (Elliott) 1094
112 – 3(3): Diamond Drilling Course (Shewchuk) 1095
113 – 3(3): Pond Inlet Participants in Soccer Tournament (Enook) 1096
114 – 3(3): Addressing Social Issues in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 1097
115 – 3(3): Celebrating the Co-operative Movement (Tapardjuk) 1098
116 – 3(3): Pangnirtung Resident Named One of Nunavut’s Top Employees (Oshutapik) 1099
117 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nanulik Graduates (Ningeongan) 1099
118 – 3(3): Appreciation to Quppaapik Ningeocheak (Kusugak) 1100
119 – 3(3): Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (Curley) 1100
151 – 3(3): Contract for Kitikmeot Air Ambulance Services (Ugyuk) 1102
152 – 3(3): Status of Uranium Mining Policy (Aupaluktuq) 1103
153 – 3(3): Nunavut and Nunavik Polar Bear Management (Rumbolt) 1104
154 – 3(3): Suicide Prevention in Nunavut (Elliott) 1106
155 – 3(3): Status of Aircraft Equipment Shelter for Chesterfield Inlet (Ningeongan) 1108
156 – 3(3): ASIST Workshop for Nunavut School Staff (Elliott) 1109
157 – 3(3): Construction of the New Conservation Office in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 1110
158 – 3(3): Emergency Preparedness at Nunavut Health Centres (Elliott) 1112
159 – 3(3): Moving Forward on the Suicide Prevention Plan (Elliott) 1114
160 – 3(3): Nunavut Version of ASIST (Elliott) 1115
098 – 3(3): Project Briefing on Piqutivut-Building our Capital: Places to Play, Protect and Prosper (Ell) 1118
099 – 3(3): 2011 Annual Report of the Utility Rates Review Council of Nunavut (Arreak) 1118
100 – 3(3): Photograph of Grise Fiord Powerhouse (Elliott) 1119
101 – 3(3): Canada Ducked an Arctic Bullet (Elliott) 1119
102 – 3(3): Resolute Bay Should Be Developed as a Major Government Facility, Arctic Security Hub (Elliott) 1119
103 – 3(3): Report from the Integrity Commissioner (Speaker) 1119
017 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations – Notice (Elliott) 1119
017 – 3(3): Legislative Assembly Appointments and Revocations (Elliott) 1121
002 – 3(3): Deletion of $500,000 from the 2012-13 Capital Estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services (Ningeongan) 1147
Bill 16 – Annual Reporting Validation (Liquor Licensing Board) Act – Notice 1120
Bill 17 – Write-off of Debts Act, 2011-2012 – Notice 1120
Bill 18 – An Act to Amend Several Acts for Constitutional Validity (Spousal Benefits and Obligations) – Notice 1120
Bill 19 – Family Support Orders Enforcement Act – Notice 1120
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Judicature Act (Court Rules) – Notice 1120
Bill 21 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2011, No. 3 – Notice 1120
Bill 23 – An Act to Amend the Public Colleges Act – Notice 1120
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 1122
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Honourable Tagak Curley, Ms. Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Before we get started, I would like to ask Mr. Taptuna if he could start us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody and welcome back.
Moving on to the orders of the day. Item 2. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 068 – 3(3): Update on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to provide the Members of the Legislative Assembly with an update on the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s continued improvement.
Earlier this year, I advised members that the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation had achieved a significant milestone. In March, the Auditor General of Canada issued an audit opinion on the corporation’s 2009-2010 financial statements, reversing years of denied opinions.
This is an outstanding accomplishment.
Over the years, attempts to address the deficiencies and concerns raised by the Auditor General have fallen short.
Finally, in April 2010, the NBCC was placed under the day-to-day administrative control of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation through a memorandum of agreement. This complemented a directive issued in 2008 by the Minister of Finance which subjected the corporation to close scrutiny by the Department of Finance.
Through 2010-11, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation made great strides in addressing the Auditor General’s concerns. Under the direction of a newly hired CEO and a reconstituted board of directors, and with the ongoing support of the departments of Finance and Economic Development and Transportation, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation achieved what had been unattainable previously.
In noting this possible outcome, I must acknowledge the Public Agencies Council and its strong oversight in ensuring the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s turnaround.
NBCC continues to make considerable progress and aims to meet its statutory reporting deadline for the 2011-12 fiscal year.
This remains the one outstanding matter which is necessary to bring the corporation into full compliance.
Consistent with this objective, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation succeeded in producing its unaudited 2010-11 financial statements in just two months after the fiscal year-end, an improvement of several months.
It is important to note that NBCC has continued to issue well-supported loans and renewals of new and existing clients throughout this time in keeping with its mandate to foster opportunities for Nunavummiut.
With the support and direction of its board, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation intends to strategically expand its loan portfolio in 2011-12 and beyond.
With these achievements in hand, it is my great pleasure today to advise members of yet another significant milestone for the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
Very recently, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Finance, with the full concurrence of our cabinet colleagues, formally revoked the ministerial directive. This highlights the renewed confidence in the corporation, its board, and its management to appropriately and responsibly manage its affairs and fulfill its mandate for the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation can now advance its operations and set its strategic direction unencumbered by issues of the past.
It is a tremendous accomplishment for which we can all take great pride and I commend all those who played a role in the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation’s turnaround.
Minister’s Statement 069 – 3(3): Crash of First Air Flight 6560 – Resolute Bay (Aariak)
The Quttiktuq region and the rest of Nunavut continue to feel deep sadness over the crash of First Air Flight 6560 in Resolute Bay this past August.
On behalf of all Nunavummiut, a heartfelt thank you goes out to those who participated in the emergency response and who provided support to the friends and families of those who were on that flight. Our wish for those who were touched personally by the tragedy is that you are able to work through the trauma of August 20 and ultimately move forward.
I also would like to acknowledge the bravery of those who survived this accident.
You have shown incredible strength and know that you will always have the support you need in the times ahead.
(interpretation ends) It was indeed a fortunate coincidence that the Canadian Rangers and the Canadian Forces were in the midst of a training exercise near Resolute Bay on August 20 and were able to come to the assistance of the survivors within minutes.
Under normal circumstances, the response to any large-scale emergency in Nunavut would come from the southern provinces. Help would not have arrived for many precious hours.
Mr. Speaker, for this reason, I continue to stress to our federal government the importance of having search and rescue capabilities based in the northern territories.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my utmost thanks to the local volunteer firefighters, RCMP, health centre staff, Canadian military, the Rangers, First Air personnel, other local volunteers, and dedicated staff who responded to this tragic event with overwhelming commitment.
Finally, I would like to recognize the community of Resolute Bay who pulled together to support one another during and following the events of August 20.
You have reminded all of us that our communities are precious and we can overcome our most critical times of need by working together. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 070 – 3(3): Power Disruption in Nunavut (Kusugak)
I want to take this opportunity to thank Nunavummiut for their patience throughout the periods of power outages we have been experiencing in various communities throughout Nunavut.
As we work to improve the reliability and efficiency of electrical infrastructure across our territory, there will continue to be incidents of outages in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, wherever possible, maintenance is scheduled during the summer months to ensure that if an outage is scheduled in the community, we are dealing with a diminished electrical supply during the brighter, warmer summer months and not in the cold, dark winter months.
Power outages are usually scheduled during evenings and weekends to avoid disrupting schools, airports, health centres, and the business community.
Examples of this include the numerous outages in Iqaluit for the 25 kilovolt distribution system upgrade and the outage that was scheduled to occur in Rankin Inlet in September.