EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
So I’m proud of that, and we’ll continue to try and train Inuit to take on these jobs so clients can receive counselling or information in Inuktitut from a person that knows their backgrounds.
Do I understand correctly that the Inuit who take training, do they incorporate the Inuit societal values when they take training in those fields?
From what I recall, the curriculum guideline for mental health program is also included, and perhaps, the one in social work, but I can verify that.
Parts of the whole Inuit knowledge and Inuit traditional skills, and so on, those skills as an Inuk come with us when we take training as well. So that’s something that we also have to recognize in our efforts to hire and train Inuit in jobs.
Question 235 – 2(4): Women Crisis Shelters (Peterson)
My question is for the Minister of Health and Social Services, and it may have something to do with her responsibilities as the Minister responsible for the Status of Women.
Mr. Speaker, last week at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association AGM, the delegates there, again, raised the issue of the need of women’s shelters in Nunavut and the Kitikmeot including ongoing funding to keep them open.
Fortunately, the minister was there to help shed some light on the current situation with the crisis shelters.
My question for the minister: will the minister tell the House how many new women’s crisis shelters her department has helped to open since 2004?
I am aware that we have five shelters in Nunavut now.
I believe that we’ve had five crisis shelters for four or five years, so there haven’t been any new crisis shelters opened that I am aware of.
Mr. Speaker, since there are only five crisis shelters in Nunavut, despite the overwhelming need and demand for shelter protection to women and children who are being abused in our communities, can the minister tell us what plans or strategies her department has to open new crisis shelters in every Nunavut community?
The approach that we’ve been taking to address violence against women and children in Nunavut was not to just build buildings so that women and children can be in a house and be in a safe place, but rather trying to look at it from the context of how do you change behaviours so that there is no violence in our communities and in our society.
Strengthening laws; the Family Abuse Intervention Act that we’ve tabled in the House, as an example; the Inuuqatigiitsiarniq Symposium we held where there were 75 recommendations that we’re working hard to try and put the implementation plans in place to address the recommendations coming from over 100 delegates that attended that conference.
So the issue of addressing violence against women is not just about building buildings; it’s about trying to put programs in place to support families and children as well as communities where the need is at.
So that’s the approach that we’re taking at this point in time.
At the same time, we do provide support and assistance to the current existing facilities in Nunavut.
We’re looking at ways in strengthening what our roles can be in supporting community-run facilities. For example, we’ve asked for ways of how we can deliver more programs through the centre.
Statistics of usage as well, we’ve had a challenging time getting that information by community and that will also shape and assist us in planning what the actual facility requirements are needed in Nunavut.
But at this point in time, the approach that we’re trying to take is maintaining the current facilities but focus on the development of programs at the community level.
I thank the minister for explaining the way her department is currently providing help to the women in the communities.
There’s no doubt that it’s a serious issue or a crisis in our communities. We only have five crisis shelters; that means there are probably 20 communities that don’t have crisis shelters.
Not every woman and child in Nunavut is going to be able to stay in their house or in their community and receive counselling and treatment. They have to be removed from the community or from their house to a safe shelter where they will be protected from abuse.
Mr. Speaker, the Federal Minister Bev Oda announced a $56 million in federal funding in June to build women’s shelters and provide support to those shelters in First Nations communities in Canada.
There was no funding for Nunavut’s women’s shelters. This is a very serious oversight given Nunavut’s high instances in violence against women.
I know the Minister of Health met with Bev Oda and they had a Status of Women meeting here this past summer, right here in Nunavut.
So my question for the minister: can the minister tell the House what her department is doing to lobby the Minister Bev Oda to rectify this growing omission by the federal government, again, that deals with funding to support crisis women’s shelters in Nunavut?
The F/T/P meeting that we hosted here in July was a real opportunity for me as well as the three territories to bring forward the differences between the First Nations group and the Inuit in the program funding allocations of the federal government. It was also an opportunity for us to raise awareness within the provincial ministers as well that we are not a First Nations group and often excluded of many programs of the federal government.
Minister Oda also had an opportunity to tour the shelter in Iqaluit. At the same time, we brought her here to the Qulliq Status of Women Council to meet with the council to hear firsthand the challenges that they face in accessing funding from the federal government.
Since that time, the three territories met with Minister Oda and the three territories are working towards putting a case plan for the federal minister to deal with funding for shelters in Nunavut for Inuit.
This is an issue for us and it’s ongoing.
Since that time, she is no longer the Minister of Status of Women, so we have contacted, through writing, to plan meetings with the new federal minister and we will be putting our case forward to her for consideration.
I thank the minister for that answer, and I certainly encourage and support her lobbying efforts in Ottawa.
We have to get those people in Ottawa, the ministers and their senior officials, to recognize that there are people in Nunavut, and indeed, the entire North, who require a shelter.
We are not First Nations up here but certainly there is an equal demand for shelter protection from abuse. The minister mentioned earlier that they tried to collect stats from crisis at the shelters that exist in Nunavut.
Can the minister tell the House when she will be in a position to table a report that details the use of the five existing crisis shelters that operate on an annual basis?
Once we have the information from the centres, I would be prepared to share all that data with my colleagues.
Members, the time for Question Period is now over.
Return to Written Question 006 – 2(4): Administration and Enforcement of the Liquor Act (Clerk)
Return to Written Question 007 – 2(4): Victims of Violence in Nunavut (Clerk)
Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am tabling Returns to Written Questions 6 and 7 that were filed with the Office of the Clerk.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Item 8.
Tabled Document 114 – 2(4): Letter to the Prime Minister re. Canadian Forces Facilities and Operations in the High Arctic (Barnabas)
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to table my recent correspondence to the Prime Minister of Canada. In my correspondence I address the impact of recent federal announcements concerning the High Arctic.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. (interpretation ends) Can we have that document brought forward to the table, please?
Tabled Document 115 – 2(4): Kitikmeot Inuit Association AGM Resolutions 2007 (Peterson)
I wish to table a package of resolutions concerning cultural, social, and health issues that were adopted at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association.
I encourage all members to review them with care.
*See Appendix for full text of Returns to Written Questions 6 – 2(4) and 7 – 2(4) filed with the Clerk.
Please bring the documents forward to the table.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) Mr. Premier.
Tabled Document 116 – 2(4): Nunavummiut Kiglisinniaqtiit GN Bureau of Statistics Annual Report 2006 to 2007 (Okalik)
I wish to table the document Nunavut Statistics ending March 31, 2007, Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Please wait while the documents are being sent up here.
Tabled Document 117 – 2(4): Nunatsiaq News Article “No Quick Fix for Agency Nurse Problem: Aglukkaq” October 12, 2007 (Tootoo)
I would like to table an article from the Nunatsiaq News, the edition of October 12, 2007.
Tabled Document 118 – 2(4): Statutory Requirements for Tabling of Reports and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut – October 2007 (Speaker)
Thank you, Members. (interpretation ends) Today I wish to table the document, ‘Statutory Requirements for Tabling of Reports and Other Documents in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.’
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Notice
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Thursday October 25, 2007, that Bill 16, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009, be read for the first time.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for Bill 16, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009.
The minister is requesting unanimous consent to deal with the motion today.
Please proceed, Minister Simailak.
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – First Reading
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit West, that Bill 16, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009, be read for the first time.
A question has been called. The motion is in order.
The motion is carried and Bill 16 has had its First Reading.
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Iqaluit West, that Bill 16, Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes the Government of Nunavut to make capital expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009.
To the principle of the bill. A question has been called.
The motion is carried and Bill 16 has had second reading and accordingly, the bill stands referred to the Committee of the Whole.
The member is asking consent to go back to Item 5.
I would like to thank my colleagues, too.
At this time I would like to acknowledge my in-law, who comes from my community, and he’s originally from Inukjuaq, Mosesee Suigaaq is here.
Bill 16 with Mr. Arreak in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:43 and Committee resumed at 16:13
In Committee of the Whole we have the following item to deal with: Bill 16. What is the wish of the committee?
We wish to proceed with Bill 16 and commence the review of the Capital and Main Estimates for the Department of Education.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with the Capital Estimates for the Department of Education?
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Education
I would like to ask the Minster of Education, Mr. Picco, to make his opening remarks.
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman.
I am very pleased to be here today to present and discuss the proposed 2008-09 Department of Education Capital Projects budget.
Our government has many capital priorities in the area of education. New projects like the Nunavut Trade School, an important policy, program, and priority in Pinasuaqtavut, are underway. These priorities are made all the more challenging with the recent dramatic increase in construction costs that we’re experiencing across Nunavut.
The Department of Education’s 2008-09 capital budget has proposed expenditures of $25,585,000 in 2008-09, and additional project budgets totalling $119,225,000 for the 2009-10 to 2012-13 time frame.
The 2008-09 budget allows the department to undertake 10 major projects.
Mr. Chairman, my department gathers information from hamlets, District Education Authorities, communities, schools, Nunavut Arctic College, as well as Community and Government Services to develop, manage and plan the capital and initiatives.
This process also includes a comprehensive school facility database to determine the level of need for each school capital project based on a ranking of the current facilities’ condition, utilization and program requirements.
Mr. Chairman, we have emphasized the principals of Inuit Qaujimajatugangit in our planning and design, as well as supporting multiple purpose facilities, partnerships and training as fundamental elements in the construction contracts.
Mr. Chairman, this department continues to move forward in a progressive and a fiscally responsible manner.
This plan includes construction of Nunavut’s Trade School. In the 2008-09 fiscal year we will begin the construction phase in Rankin Inlet with a construction tender call slated for later this calendar year.
As the mining industrial sector gains momentum our trades training program will also be keeping pace. The new equipment for the Cambridge Bay Trades Training Program has been installed into the high school.
I had an opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to visit the school a couple of weeks ago and I’m very pleased to say that the equipment is in place, and indeed, is working to capacity.
Mr. Chairman, I am also pleased with the discussions to date on the Inuksuk High School renovation project.
We believe the proposed joint use of the trades training area by the college as well as the high school will only serve to enhance both the training and future job opportunities for our students.
With the development of the Mary River mining activity, we are pleased with the commitment and support to construct a new community learning centre in Pond Inlet.
This is a positive approach to providing training opportunities to our youth at the community level.
We continue to experience a high degree of vandalism, however, Mr. Chairman, and break-ins in our schools.
To combat that, we have installed surveillance cameras in all of our schools and are now in the process of reviewing our security programs, and where needed, we are increasing the level of security and surveillance. Having the cameras in place has been an active deterrent.
We’ve been actually able to catch some of the people who have been causing damage to the schools because of the cameras in place.
Mr. Chairman, the prevalence of foundation issues along with the dramatic increase in construction costs will require careful monitoring and attention to detail as we continue to plan, tender, and construct our facility projects.
Nunavut needs infrastructure that meet our growing needs, is affordable, as well as long-lasting.
I want to emphasize, Mr. Chairman, that the government has determined we cannot spend more than our means. There are many more requests and expressions of interest in both new facilities as well as delivering projects quickly.
As a government, we have to work within the budget framework.
There are implications for project costs when they increase, including staffing, associated housing requirements, building utilities, and ongoing maintenance and O&M that must also be considered when we look at creating new facilities as well as adding to our existing structures.
Mr. Chairman, I am very pleased to be here today to discuss our education capital budget for 2008-09 and for the next subsequent four years.
In summary, we commit to making every dollar go as far as it can to reflect our government’s investment in the educational process.
We look forward to your questions, comments, and the discussion on the 2008-09 Capital Budget for the Department of Education and for your Government of Nunavut.
Before we start, I would like to ask the minister; the Department of Education’s 2008-09 Capital Budget has been proposed to expenditures of, is it $22 million or $25,585,000?
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that.
You are correct; it’s $25,585,000 in 2008-09, as well as additional projects which will be totalling $119,225,000 for the department in our fiscal forecast for 2009-10, up to the 2012-13 time frame.
Mr. Minister, do you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table? Minister Picco.
I have a couple of people I would like to bring to the witness table with me.
For everyone’s information, please introduce your officials, Minister Picco.
It gives me great pleasure today to introduce with me the following staff members: on my immediate left is the Deputy Minister of the Department of Education, long-time educator, lifelong resident of Nunavut, she’s with us here today, Kathy Okpik; on my immediate right is a well known long-term northerner, entrepreneur, raconteur, Mr. Murray Horn, Director of Corporate Services for the Department of Education.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Welcome. Does the co-chair of the Standing Committee on Health and Education have any opening comments?
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As the Co-Chair of the Standing Committee on Health and Education, I am pleased to make some opening comments as we begin deliberations on the 2008-09 Capital Estimates of the Department of Education.
Once again, the department’s proposed capital budget for next year represents the largest share of the GN’s overall capital spending. The Department of Education will account for 26 percent of the entire capital budget for 2008-09.
While the committee firmly supports continued investment in Nunavut’s educational infrastructure, members have noted a significant rise in costs to deliver the number of proposed capital projects across the territory. At the same time, the promise of so many projects has raised expectations at the community level.
The standing committee will be closely monitoring the department’s success in balancing its plans for ensuring safe and effective delivery of education services, while meeting the growing needs of Nunavummiut, all within the government’s budget envelope.
The committee continues to have concerns over the steadily rising costs of capital projects. Total project costs are increasing significantly, sometimes even doubling, from year to year. The problem appears to worsen as tenders come in significantly over budget, projects are delayed as the re-tendering process takes place, and the impact of inflation ultimately makes original budgets unrealistic.
The end result is a long list of capital carryovers, budget transfers and supplementary appropriations, all trying to recover lost ground.
The committee recognizes that all departments are faced with similar challenges. For example, the current economic boom in Alberta has caused a shortage of trades workers in Nunavut. However, such budgetary practices are not sustainable in the long run.
Members of the committee recognize and appreciate the efforts that are being made to make costs more manageable, such as changing the scope of specific designs, re-using designs from one project for another project, and carrying out projects in phases.
However, in some cases, it is not always apparent why expensive and extensive renovations are undertaken instead of building new facilities to provide additional space or replacement schools.
It also appears that some renovation projects may be undertaken during the school year. The committee encourages the department to make every possible effort to ensure that students’ classes and learning times are disrupted as little as possible.
Members appreciate that the age of a building or the occupancy rate of a school are not the only criteria used to determine whether additions or renovations should take place.
It is disturbing to note, however, that some of our communities’ oldest schools, such as those in Kugluktuk and Arctic Bay, suffer from extensive damage and deterioration. Members urge the department to address issues which directly affect the health and safety of students and staff as a priority.
Members were pleased to note that the Inuksuit High School addition project in Qikiqtarjuaq has been moved forward as recommended by MLAs in a Committee of the Whole motion passed in the fall of 2005.
The committee was further pleased to note that the department has incorporated a community learning centre in this project. Other projects which have been moved forward include the Community Learning Centre in Pond Inlet.
With the rapid advancement of mining development in Nunavut, the committee encourages the department to take all necessary steps to ensure that this project is not unduly delayed so that individuals can access training in the facility as soon as possible and not miss out on employment opportunities.
The committee is very supportive of the department’s focus on developing facilities with a view to meeting upcoming training needs such as those in the mining industry.
Members appreciated receiving an explanation for the delay in the Rankin Inlet portion of the Nunavut Trades School project and look forward to seeing this move forward in the near future.
Members are supportive of shop programs that will be accessible to students from both high school and Nunavut Arctic College.
Members were pleased to hear the minister’s assurances that the shop program in Cambridge Bay will be ready for students’ use this school year. Providing opportunities for high school students to learn trades skills appears to be having a positive effect on drop-out rates, as well as student satisfaction.
The Department of Education faces the difficult challenge of dealing with accommodation shortages, an issue shared with other departments which need to recruit large numbers of professionally trained individuals to provide services in our communities. It is unacceptable that the shortage of housing should be an excuse for the shortage of professionals, such as teachers and nurses. The standing committee strongly supports the department in its efforts to ensure that housing is available for teaching staff.
Members have noted related staff housing unit projects within the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s capital plan, including staff housing for the trades school planned for 2008-09 and three other school staff housing projects planned for future years.
The standing committee further notes that the shortage of accommodation arrangements for students, both single and married, with and without children, continues to be a barrier for a number of adults who would like to further their education and improve their opportunities for employment. Members continue to hear from constituents who cannot get housing because their marital status or family status does not fit the criteria established by Nunavut Arctic College.
While recognizing that Nunavut Arctic College does not have unlimited resources in this regard and that ensuring that housing is available to students with dependants is a priority, the standing committee encourages Nunavut Arctic College to allow some flexibility in this policy whenever possible.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments. I am confident that individual members will also have remarks and questions as we proceed.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Barnabas, and thank you for mentioning that the school in Qikiqtarjuaq has been moved forward.
(interpretation ends) Before we proceed, I would like to remind members of the following: according to Rule 77(1), you have 10 minutes to speak, and according to Rule 77(2), subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a matter under discussion but not until ever member wishing to speak has spoken.
I suggest to members that wherever possible you ask your detailed questions during the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates. And please, make your preambles short and to the point.
This is a general comment from the minister’s opening statement on page 2.
He stated that “we have emphasized the principals of Inuit Qaujimajatugangit in our planning and design,” at the same time that the Peter Pitseolak School addition is being proposed here.