EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
So the short answer is that yes, the treatment will continue.
Additionally, we want to ensure that we provide the best service possible to patients undergoing this type of treatment.
While we are deliberating on the dialysis machine issue, we will also be looking at the separate issue of how we can ensure lessening the amount of time away from home for treatment.
I will ensure that the member is kept informed on the developments of this and what kinds of improvements we make.
We will continue this review to ensure proper compliance to all necessary medical standards and regulations involved.
With regard to the patient’s right to this type of treatment, it will continue.
Question 347 – 3(2): Definition of Poverty (Elliott)
I’m not exactly sure who to direct my question to, whether it’s the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs or ED&T.
My questions are regarding poverty.
In the House last week, John Ningark was talking about the definition of poverty and was asking the Premier.
I know that Minister Taptuna’s office is responsible for developing the Anti-Poverty Strategy.
My questions are directed towards the actual definition of poverty in terms of carrying on with what Mr. Ningark was saying.
To me, poverty in Nunavut is like the definition of homelessness and the Minister responsible for Homelessness has said many times that homelessness in Nunavut is different than in the south and I believe that poverty is different in Nunavut than in the south.
For example, in my three communities of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay, we don’t have soup kitchens and we don’t have food banks.
And really, the people who are the food banks and the soup kitchens are people who are employed with full-time jobs. The way our community works and the community sharing that goes on, you support one another.
I don’t know, in terms of a definition of poverty, how that would be captured.
So my question is to whatever minister is willing to answer it: in terms of developing the Anti-Poverty Strategy and talking about poverty within the Social Advocacy Office, what is the specific definition that your department is calling poverty?
I appreciate that question from the member.
Within the department, we are looking at various jurisdictions on how they deal with poverty and how they have come up with strategies and action plans.
The definition varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but of course, in the north, like the members say, it’s quite different in some cases, depending on various circumstances.
There are so many variables and some issues are unique to each community.
At this time, our department is looking at some processes within other jurisdictions to come up with the best available information on how to deal with the situation.
I have said many times when I’m trying to present my case about the child and youth representative that other jurisdictions have similar child and youth representatives.
I get the answer that we don’t need to look at other jurisdictions, we need to look within the territory because it needs to be Nunavut-made and Nunavut-driven, and represent our people. So I hope that the Anti-Poverty Strategy is looking at it that way as well.
With the government talking to the communities and wanting to know information from the communities, is this something that the minister could commit to? When they go around the communities and talk about this strategy to the communities, could they ask the communities what their definition of poverty is? Maybe it’s different from what we’re thinking.
So if you could commit to that. Thank you.
I appreciate the question from the Member of Quttiktuq.
Mr. Speaker, I probably didn’t make myself too clear.
We’re looking at other jurisdictions and that doesn’t mean we’re going to be automatically using these strategies that other jurisdictions have.
The strategy we want is for Nunavut, made in Nunavut, and for Nunavummiut.
We have already committed in the Tamapta Action Plan that we’re going to be looking at that.
How long it takes is yet to be determined, but as we go along, we will be updating the House and the member on the status of how far along this strategy is going.
To get the exact definition of poverty, although you can get that from a dictionary, you can translate it and interpret it in any other way that an educated person may feel, like interpreting the definition of poverty.
As we go along and coming up with a strategy and ideas, the member is going to be informed. Of course, everybody is going to be participating and have an input in our overall strategy of poverty reduction in Nunavut.
To me, to make this strategy work, we need to start at the beginning and start at the right place. The starting place is actually the definition of what poverty is and not the definition, as Mr. Tapardjuk always says, in the dictionary, which is QQ. We want the IQ definition of poverty, not the QQ definition of poverty. So that’s why I’m asking that question, to find out if we could start at the beginning.
The foundation that the government keeps talking about, building that foundation and having it start at the beginning, you start with the proper definition, you have a proper strategy, and that strategy goes to proper implementation. I looked at the business plans of the government and there are tons and tons of strategies, secretariats, and policies being created.
I want to see some definite action. I know that the government wants to see definite action too. To me, starting with a good definition is a good place to start.
If the minister could commit to asking our communities what the definition of poverty is to them. Is it a baseline salary? Is that what people feel it is?
Is it a full stomach after a day? Is it having a skidoo and a Qamutik to go out on the land? Is it being able to care for elders?
What is that definition? That’s all I’m asking for. I want to know and I’m sure the people out there want to be able to voice their opinion as to what it is.
A Point of Order, Mr. Speaker, I’m not understanding what Mr. Curley is telling me.
Mr. Elliott, did you want to raise a Point of Order?
Mr. Elliott: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I do.
I’m tired of looking across trying to talk to the government and have Mr. Curley make signs like this or go like this, which I’m assuming he is telling me to shut my mouth.
If he could explain to me what he’s telling me non-verbally because I don’t understand what he’s telling me.
When we’re dealing with poverty, we assume that we’re dealing with the vast majority of Nunavutmiut. It has to involve Inuit societal values and poverty is one thing that they don’t accept.
For that reason, I suggested to him in my gesture that we should have communication, we should chat more because there are fundamentally much broader issues than just the definition.
For that reason, I apologize, Mr. Speaker, for trying to help him out.
Are you apologizing for the gestures that you were making to the member across?
Hon. Tagak Curley: Mr. Speaker, I did not get exactly what I am required to do.
Speaker: Mr. Curley, I asked you if you’re apologizing for your gestures. Mr. Curley.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Mr. Speaker, I thought it was clear that I apologized or whatever you want, the member, to be included in it.
An apology means just that, for all of the statements or the non-verbal statements I made.
I would ask that you please refrain from making such unparliamentary gestures as you are interfering with the proceedings of the House.
All members have the right to ask questions without such distractions.
You were asking your second supplementary, Mr. Elliott.
I had recognized that Mr. Curley was trying to help me out, so I accept his apology.
It seemed like every time I was saying something that would be construed as going against with the government, he started making those gestures. I do accept his apology.
I heard it the first time and I didn’t need it the second time.
Is the Minister of Health and Social Services volunteering since it’s such a good matter and he wants to help me out? Can he give his definition of poverty right now? That would be great.
Speaker: Yes, Mr. Elliott, you were asking your question to Minister Taptuna, but a Point of Order has been raised.
Hon. Tagak Curley: My Point of Order, Mr. Speaker, is that he is asking a point of view of me as an individual, whether as the Minister of Health or not, but my point is that I should be asked a policy related question, not just a point of view.
Mr. Elliott, I’ll take your question as out of order.
You were asking your question to Mr. Taptuna and I’ll ask Mr. Taptuna to answer the question.
I’ll try and respond to the hon. member’s question there.
For the definition of poverty, it could be any number of things depending on who you speak to, but with this government and within this department, we want to use common sense.
There are going to be other organizations involved, NTI, Inuit organizations, the RIAs, INAC, and various community organizations when we’re planning for the strategy.
I’ve got to say that we’re going to be using common sense and we’re going to be looking for assistance from community organizations, the communities, and whoever is going to be involved.
I did identify a number of people and organizations that are going to be involved in coming up with a strategy.
In most cases, the definition for poverty is a really complicated one. That’s why we said that we’re going to look into other jurisdictions and find out exactly what suits Nunavut the best for coming up with a strategy.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Are you finished? (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.
I don’t have any more names on my list. We will move on.
Written Question 015 – 3(2): Foster Care (Elliott)
I recognize that the Department of Health and Social Services will soon be undertaking an extensive review of the Child and Family Services Act.
I have a written question for the Minister of Health and Social Services on the issue of foster care.
I’m sure that the answers were very informative to all of my colleagues and will be especially important in the context of the review of the legislation.
The question is lengthy, so I will ask that the he enter it into the record as read.
During the Committee of the Whole’s consideration of the 2010-11 Main Estimates of the Department of Health and Social Services, testimony to the committee indicated that 60 Nunavut children and youth are fostered outside of Nunavut at a projected annual cost of $6.1 million.
(March 9, 2010, Unedited Hansard, page 41).
As of March 23, 2010, broken down by province or territory of temporary residence, how many Nunavut children and youth are in foster care out of territory in the following categories:
In specialized care;
In a recognized institution;
In a private foster home?
As of March 23, 2010, broken down by type of specialized care, how many Nunavut children and youth are receiving specialized care out of territory?
As of March 23, 2010, what is the average annual cost of foster care for a single Nunavut child or youth outside of Nunavut?
Which specific organizations, institutions, and other entities have been contracted to provide foster care outside of the Nunavut territory to Nunavut children and youth?
What mechanisms are in place to identify suitable out-of-territory foster parents?
How are child protection departments, agencies, or organizations in other jurisdictions involved in the designation and monitoring of out-of-territory foster parents for Nunavut children and youth?
What procedures are undertaken by the Department of Health and Social Services to screen foster parent applicants before they receive a foster child or youth into their care?
What mechanisms are in place to screen out-of-territory foster parent applicants with respect to the following criteria:
Criminal record;
Experience with children;
Cultural sensitivity; and
Living arrangements?
How often do officials of the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services conduct on-site visits of out-of-territory private foster homes?
What mechanisms are in place and who is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the ongoing status of children and youth in foster care with respect to such activities as diet, social activities, schooling, and physical activity?
Do child protection departments, agencies, or organizations in other jurisdictions provide and pay for any component of services for Nunavut children and youth in out-of-territory foster care?
What counselling services or supports are offered to Nunavut parents who have had their children apprehended within the meaning of the Child and Family Services Act and placed in foster care?
How does the Department of Health and Social Services determine the conditions under which a Nunavut child or youth in foster care can be returned to the home from which they were apprehended?
Under what circumstances are Nunavut parents entitled to contact and communication with their children who are in foster care outside of the territory?
Can I have that document brought forward to the table, please.
Written Questions. Mr. Elliott.
Written Question 016 – 3(2): Status of Integrated Community Sustainability Plans and Infrastructure in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay (Elliott)
I have a written question for the Minister of Community and Government Services concerning the status of integrated community sustainability plans and infrastructure in Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay.
As of March 23, 2010, what is the status of the development of integrated community sustainability plans for the communities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Broken down by community, size, and age, what buildings are maintained by the Department of Community and Government Services in the communities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Broken down by community, size, and age, what buildings are maintained by the municipalities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Broken down by community and building, what were the results of the most recent energy efficiency evaluation and/or audit that was conducted on each building maintained by the Department of Community and Government Services and/or the municipalities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Broken down by community and building, what is the type, model, and age of each building’s heating system?
Broken down by community and building, on what date did each building’s heating system most recently receive an annual preventative maintenance inspection?
Broken down by community and building and expressing the data in litres, what is each building’s average annual fuel consumption?
Broken down by community and building, what is the average annual cost to heat each building?
Broken down by community and building, what is the average annual electricity consumption of each building?
What accessibility features for the disabled exist with respect to each building maintained by the Department of Community and Government Services and/or the municipalities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Broken down by community, type, model, and age, what mobile equipment is owned and/or leased by the Department of Community and Government Services in the communities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Broken down by community, type, model, and age, what mobile equipment is owned and/or leased by the municipalities of Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute Bay?
Written Question 017 – 3(2): Patient/Client Complaints Procedure of the Department of Health and Social Services (Ningeongan)
I have a written question for the Minister of Health and Social Services concerning his department’s patient/client complaints procedure.
In the summer of 2009, the Minister of Health and Social Services distributed a pamphlet titled Patient/Client Complaints Procedure for the Department of Health and Social Services. The pamphlet has four versions, one for each of the three regions (Qikiqtani, Kivalliq and Kitikmeot) and one for Iqaluit.
As of March 23, 2010, how many formal complaints about health services or the conduct of health professionals have been received in each of the three regions and Iqaluit pursuant to the department’s patient/client complaints procedure?
The department’s patient/client complaints procedure provides a four-step description of what actions should be taken by a complainant.
The pamphlet does not describe what form of response a complainant is entitled to receive at each step of the process.
Within the meaning of the process described in the pamphlet section under “What to do if you have a complaint …,” what type of response is a complainant entitled to at each step of the process?
As of March 23, 2010, and within the meaning of the process described in the pamphlet section under “What to do if you have a complaint …,” how many complaints have been resolved at:
Step 1;
Step 2;
Step 3; and
With respect to the process for the resolution of complaints as described in Question #3, how many complainants received a written response to their concern at:
With respect to the process for the resolution of complaints as described in Question #3, how many complaints were made regarding service provided by:
An agency nurse;
A full-time indeterminate nurse;
A physician; and
An employee of the Department of Health and Social Services other than a nurse or physician?
In circumstances where a resident believes that he or she has not received appropriate or adequate service delivery at a territorial health facility or in circumstances where a resident believes that he or she has been incorrectly diagnosed, what procedure does the Department of Health and Social Services provide for the resident to request a second opinion?
What specific standards of care are established by the Department of Health and Social Services for health care delivered at:
Community health centres;
Regional health facilities; and
The Qikiqtani General Hospital?
How does the Department of Health and Social Services monitor the standards of care that are established for health care delivered at:
Between April 1, 1999 and March 23, 2010, how many lawsuits have been filed against the Department of Health and Social Services and/or its employees and/or its contractors concerning matters related to the delivery of health and social services for Nunavut residents?
Tabled Document 153 – 3(2): Article on Air Canada from the National Post: “Canada’s Flying Moose in the headlights” (Schell)
I wish to table a copy of an article from this weekend’s edition of the National Post about Air Canada. The article is titled, “Canada’s Flying Moose in the headlights.”
The article does a good job in describing Air Canada’s protectionist strategies and I encourage all members to review it with care.
I’ll just read you a few of the highlights.
It says, “Flagship carrier’s protectionist response to UAE’s expansion plans does more harm than good.” It says that unlike Canada, Australia has not bailed out an airline. And it says that the protectionist attitude of Air Canada is out of place in the 21st century.
And it also says that Ottawa steadfastly underwrites everything that they think is good for Air Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Tabling of Documents. Hon. Daniel Shewchuk.
Tabled Document 154 – 3(2): Towards a Representative Public Service – Statistics as of December 31, 2009 (Shewchuk)
I would like to table the following document: Towards a Representative Public Service – Statistics as of December 31, 2009.
Bills 14, 21, 22, 23, and 25, and Tabled Documents 13 – 3(2), 66 – 3(2), 99 – 3(2), and 100 – 3(2) with Mr. Schell in the Chair.
Before we proceed to the Committee of the Whole, we will take a lunch break and report back at 1:30.
>>House recessed at 11:44 and Committee resumed at 13:30
In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 14, 21, 22, 23, and 25, and TDs 13 – 3(2), 66 – 3(2), 99 – 3(2), and 100 – 3(2).
Go ahead, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
We would like to continue with Bill 22 and the main estimates for the fiscal year 2010-11.
We will commence with the Department of Environment, followed by the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. We will then conclude with the review of the main estimates of the Legislative Assembly and a clause-by-clause review of Bill 22.
Mr. Chairman, we will then proceed with the review of Bill 23, Bill 14, Bill 25, and Bill 21.
Does the committee agree that we deal with Environment?
Chairman: Mr. Shewchuk, do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
To my right I have the Deputy Minister of Environment, Simon Awa, and to my left I have the Director of Corporate Services for the Department of Environment, Camilius Egeni.
Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development have opening comments?
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development on its review of the 2010-11 main estimates and 2010-13 business plan of the Department of Environment.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed 2010-11 operations and maintenance budget of $20,139,000 has increased by approximately 0.71 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2009-2010 main estimates.
The number of positions in the department is 122.5.
This is an increase of 20.5 PYs from its 2004-05 business plan.
Although the department’s 2009-2010 business plan did not address this issue, members note that NTI’s 2008 annual report indicated that it had “outstanding concerns and will continue to work toward resolving these with the NWMB and GN.” The draft 2010-13 business plan indicates that one of the department’s priorities is to “finalize the Wildlife Act regulations.”
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members questioned what the areas of outstanding disagreement are between the GN and NTI.
The minister indicated that his department will not let these issues delay the regulations and that it will continue working on finalizing them.
The standing committee encourages the department and its partners to work on resolving these issues and looks forward to the Wildlife Act regulations moving forward.
Section 160 of the Wildlife Act requires the minister to appoint an advisory committee of elders to “review current, traditional and historical types, methods and technologies of harvesting wildlife in the context of the guiding principles and concepts of Inuit traditional knowledge and to advise the Minister on those it considers humane and safe.”
Section 177 of the Wildlife Act requires the minister to table an annual report in the Legislative Assembly on the administration of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
However, the department’s 2010-13 business plan indicates that one of its priorities has been to “build the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund as a permanent source of funding for promoting awareness and wise use of wildlife and habitat through initiatives such as education, research and conservation.”
It indicates that the “terms of reference have been drafted.”
On May 22, 2008, during the previous Legislative Assembly, the Minister of Environment of the day informed the House that “the GN will pursue all available options to ensure that the U.S. listing has a minimum effect on communities relying on income from polar bears sport hunts.
We will be working with the outfitters and we would like to get assistance from Nunavummiut as well as colleagues here in the House to ensure that this is well planned.”
In January 2009, the GN participated in a national polar bear round table hosted by the federal environment minister.
The department’s 2010-13 business plan indicates that it has been working to “complete polar bear co-management agreements with Greenland for shared polar bear populations.”
The standing committee noted the announcement in October 2009 regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Greenland and the federal government on the Baffin Bay polar bear population.
During the minister’s appearance before the standing committee, members questioned the minister as to whether his department has plans to compensate hunters with respect to the recent ban of Baffin Bay polar bears exports.