EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
That was based on the review that was done in 2012 to determine what funding requirements would be required to assist the municipalities to cover their operating costs outside of any revenues that they get from user fees, such as the water and waste management programs.
It hits my question exactly. It’s probably due to the increase in the population of our community that the use of water, for example, sewage, and the provision or collection of garbage has increased. Municipal service costs for the hamlet have increased as a result and road maintenance and everything else have increased as a result of population growth.
Is this being taken into consideration?
I think I have provided an answer before; I just forgot when. In looking at the increase of populations of our municipalities, they have been recognized every time their annual budgets are being looked at.
We are on page J-5. Are there any questions on this page?
During the recent winter sitting of the Legislative Assembly, minister, you indicated that upcoming amendments to the Consumer Protection Act would address such matters as cheque cashing fees, money transfer fees, and payday loans.
Can the minister just give us an update on any progress, if there has been any since then?
We are still working on this issue. We are currently working on it and it is becoming developed.
An answer to addressing the problem is being developed. We will be following how the other provinces in the nation are addressing the issue of the price-gougers.
A totally different matter, your department’s draft 2014-17 business plan indicates that one of its priorities for the 2014-15 fiscal year is to “Finalize and begin implementation of the Office Space Strategy.” It also indicates that community visits began in March 2014. Which communities will or did your department visit?
With respect to his first question, it is now going quite well and that will be resolved soon.
As far as establishing in the communities are concerned, it’s more to… . (interpretation ends) If I may switch languages here, we have decentralized communities.
Our staff has gone to visit with all the decentralized communities and also, we have visited, in this case, most of the communities in the Kivalliq and also some communities in the Kitikmeot as well. (interpretation) Thank you.
How was it determined which communities were visited?
If you didn’t visit a community, how would you know if the office needs were adequate?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) We actually don’t have criteria which community we visit first.
If a community or hamlet invites us to come in, we will come and visit.
An example was when the deputy minister and I visited Baker Lake at their invitation.
We will now be doing regular visits to most of our communities throughout Nunavut. That is the direction that was given to our staff. (interpretation) Thank you.
This community-specific, but in Arviat, I know they’re short office space. The GLO, I believe, still has no office space there.
In your strategy, you’re going to out to look for office space to rent? Or build an office? Or you’re not that far yet in the plan?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: I’ll defer that question to the deputy minister.
The consultant that they hired to prepare the office space strategy started visiting the communities. It is my understanding that the first visit would be to Igloolik and then they would be going to the Kivalliq communities, and then they would be going to the Kitikmeot communities.
We’re expecting the draft report back from the consultants by the end of May.
Once we get this report back, then it would determine for us what options are for us to address the office space needs in the communities, whether it be through leasing through the commercial sector, or is it more appropriate for the GN to look at constructing GN office space in those communities where we deem that there is a need for office space.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Green. (interpretation) We are on page J-5.
Branch Summary. Community and Government Services. Community Support.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $76,149,000.
Moving on. Page J-6.
In terms of telephone systems, and the internet, and cells, we seem to have poor service a lot of the time.
I would like to know, what is the department doing to address some of these challenges?
Are you working with Bell Canada?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Hon. Minister, before you respond, I’d like to inform the members if you have any questions on this page please raise your hand ahead of time.
Hon. Minister if you can respond.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Again, if I may defer that question to Mr. Green.
We’ve expressed our concern with the service provided with respect to the quality of the cell phone service within the territory.
We’re continuing to work with the service providers to find means to improve the quality of the services within the communities.
With the installation of new towers, for example, here in Iqaluit and new towers going up in Rankin and Cambridge Bay we should start seeing, hopefully, we’ll start rolling this across the territory. We should see an improvement in the quality of cell service moving forward.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that answer, Mr. Green.
In terms of your training program where you train beneficiaries for two-year co-op programs I’m wondering what the status is of this training program?
How many Inuit have gone through the program? If you can just update us on this.
At this time, we don’t have the information in front of us. We can provide that information once we get it.
I’ll look forward to that information.
Perhaps you can tell us in regard to this training, is this only in Iqaluit or is this type of training also provided in other communities?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) It’s provided through Arctic College throughout Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you.
In English we’re on page J-6.
We’re moving on.
In your business plan, on page 153, I have a question on the first one.
On computer or word program, does this support all of the Nunavut students?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok The short answer is yes.
Since we’re having a late sitting they’ve been trying to promote me.
I’m very pleased with the Minister’s response and I’m pleased to hear the response.
Also in regard to computer or word program, nowadays are young people are now using computers and they’re very capable of using computers. Not just the young people, even elders are using computer nowadays.
Therefore my question is: since this is a computer award program, grants in-kind and if I understand it correctly, at the elementary school level and at the high school, do you provide that kind of computer or do you award that computer to the elementary and high schools?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Again, the short answer is yes.
I am very pleased that the Department of Community and Government Services is now providing support to the students so that they can stay in school.
Moving on to page 153 of your business plan under Property Services, there’s an increase from $12,899,000 to $15,987,000. Why is there an increase?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) If I may defer that question to Mr. Green.
The increase for the property services is for the commercial leases that expire and the GN renews those leases after their expiration period.
Previously, we funded most of those increase cost in leases within our existing budgets, but given the constraints on our budgets, we suspect that the average increase in the commercial lease rates of about 28 percent. This increase in property management is for the renewal of commercial leases.
Moving on to a different page, page 152 of your business plan, (interpretation ends) Telephone Systems (Voice and Video), (interpretation) that’s a large sum of money.
If you can elaborate further on the telephone systems (voice and video). Do they hold teleconferences all the time?
In reading the business plan, videoconferencing is very expensive, including telehealth and satellite networks, and they’re included in here.
I thank the minister for stating that they are providing that service to Nunavutmiut.
On page 154 of your business plan, it states under (interpretation ends) Priorities (2014-15), “Finalize and begin implementation of the Office Space Strategy.” (interpretation) Where is that?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) I think that might have been asked by our colleague, Mr. Savikataaq, but if the minister wants to reply, I’ll allow him. Hon. Minister.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I’m not sure whether it was me who answered or whether it was Mr. Green who answered, but I’ll give him the privilege, if I may.
Chairman: Your privilege, Mr. Green.
Over the past year or so, we have been getting a lot of requests from the municipalities regarding a shortfall in office space within the communities to house GN employees.
In order to address this issue, we have hired a consultant to do an office space needs assessment for all communities across the territory.
We did Iqaluit there about a year ago and we have expanded it now to include all communities.
Once the study is completed in May 2014, it would give us an opportunity to look at what office space needs are in the communities and how best we can address that, whether it’s through trying to find some commercial involvement in terms of commercial leasing or do we look at other options like GN owned office space within those communities.
I also thank you for allowing me to go ahead and ask my question.
I’m asking this question in view of all of Nunavut and all communities in Nunavut.
In our own communities, for example, in Baker Lake, there are government staff positions that are still vacant due to lack of office space.
I urge the department to look into Baker Lake. I was wondering if you looked into that community.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): According to the deputy minister’s response, I’ll respond to you. We’re going to be reviewing all the communities.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. (interpretation) There is a motion on the floor and the motion is not debatable.
Speaker (interpretation): Item 21. (interpretation ends) Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 2 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Friday, May 30, at 10:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 19:52
Pages 312 – 381
Opening Prayer 312
Ministers’ Statements 312
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 317
Tabling of Documents 333
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 333
Report of the Committee of the Whole 380
Orders of the Day 380
Friday, May 30, 2014 312
020 – 4(2): World No Tobacco Day (Ell) 312
021 – 4(2): Sivuliqtiksat Orientation (Taptuna) 313
022 – 4(2): Get Reel Anti-Tobacco Campaign (Quassa) 313
061 – 4(2): 2014 Graduates of Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 314
062 – 4(2): Recognition of Bravery Award Recipients (Mapsalak) 315
063 – 4(2): Departing Teachers in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak) 315
064 – 4(2): Recognition of Medical Student (Sammurtok) 316
065 – 4(2): Wishing the Montreal Canadiens a Good Summer (Okalik) 317
066 – 4(2): Hockey Moms of Pangnirtung (Mike) 317
077 – 4(2): Reviewing Social Assistance Rates for Nunavummiut (Sammurtok) 318
078 – 4(2): Baker Lake Gas Pump (Mikkungwak) 320
079 – 4(2): Wildlife Deterrent Programs (Savikataaq) 321
080 – 4(2): Closure of Group Homes (Enook) 322
081 – 4(2): Interdepartmental Cooperation for Municipal Training (Rumbolt) 324
082 – 4(2): Collective Agreements (Hickes) 325
083 – 4(2): Public Service Act (Angnakak) 326
084 – 4(2): Ministerial Visits to Communities (Mapsalak) 328
085 – 4(2): Boating/Harbour Safety (Joanasie) 329
086 – 4(2): Proposed Airline Merger (Shooyook) 330
087 – 4(2): Mary River Project (Enook) 332
015 – 4(2): 2011-2012 Annual Report of the Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (Okalik) 333
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 334
Bill 02 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2014-2015 – Education – Consideration in Committee 347
>>House commenced at 9:59
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Can you say the opening prayer, please, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Sammurtok.
Speaker (interpretation): Good morning, fellow Nunavummiut. Good morning, Members and Ministers.
Ministers. Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell.
Minister’s Statement 020 – 4(2): World No Tobacco Day (Ell)
Communities throughout Nunavut are joining communities around the world tomorrow, May 31, to celebrate World No Tobacco Day.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the World Health Organization reports that an estimated six million people die from tobacco related illnesses annually. Every six seconds, someone dies from a tobacco related illness in the world.
In Nunavut, we know that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer.
Mr. Speaker, this year for World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization is calling on countries to raise tobacco taxes as a way to encourage people to stop using tobacco in combination with prevention and cessation efforts.
(interpretation) Two years ago, we raised our tobacco tax across Nunavut by $1 per pack of cigarettes.
In combination with our campaign, the sale of tobacco was reduced by close to 2.9 percent.
Mr. Speaker, our Tobacco Has No Place Here campaign started three years ago.
It’s a major commitment of our government to encourage and help people to stop tobacco, to not smoke in their homes and vehicles, and to embrace good health and wellness that comes with being tobacco-free.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in Nunavut, many of our community health representatives are hosting special events in their communities to celebrate World No Tobacco Day. Here are a few examples:
Grise Fiord is having a brunch along with activities focused on tobacco-free lifestyles.
In Sanikiluaq, the Paatsali High School is inviting people to a community breakfast where people will see a video and have a discussion on the dangers of second-hand smoke.
And in Iqaluit, a family-friendly event of yoga, break-dancing, and throat singing lessons are being offered, as well as snacks and information on smoking cessation.
Mr. Speaker, I was once a smoker. I quit using tobacco 27 years ago.
This year, more than 600 people in Nunavut signed up for the Quit Contest to quit using tobacco for the month of March.
Truly, tobacco has no place here.
Mr. Speaker, we are making a difference.
I encourage everyone to join me on World No Tobacco Day and be smoke-free.
Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Premier Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 021 – 4(2): Sivuliqtiksat Orientation (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, through on-the-job training and mentoring initiatives, such as the Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program, our government is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to our guiding principle of Pilimmaksarniq.
The Sivuliqtiksat Internship Program is an on-the-job training program that is designed to provide professional development opportunities to Inuit at the director, manager, and specialist level within our public service.
Positions for the program are identified by our departments and agencies based on their Inuit employment plans.
Mr. Speaker, those selected for the program complete a one- to three-year internship under the guidance and direction of an experienced Government of Nunavut employee.
The program also provides additional training support to the interns.
This week, all Sivuliqtiksat interns and their trainers participated in a two-day orientation session to set the foundation of their respective internships.
This is an opportunity to develop their learning plans and build networks to support one another during their internships.
Mr. Speaker, I commend our commitment and the hard work of our interns, both past and present, and those throughout the Government of Nunavut who have trained, mentored, and supported the interns’ learning and development.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 022 – 4(2): Get Reel Anti-Tobacco Campaign (Quassa)
Good morning to the people of Nunavut and Igloolik.
Mr. Speaker, this morning, I would like you to join me in congratulating Donovan Anablak, Aimee McWilliam, and Preston Kapakatoak, all students from Kugluktuk High School who took first, second, and third place in the “Get Reel” video contest where they had to write, film, and edit an anti-tobacco commercial.
(interpretation ends) The Get Reel contest is a component of the pan-territorial Smoke Screening initiative.
This program is a 10-year successful collaboration between the departments of Health and Education, where the Department of Health designed and implemented the program and provided support to the teachers as needed.
Our students were asked to view international and local northern anti-tobacco messages from film and social media and vote for the best ads.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the Get Reel contest gives students from grades 5 to 12 the opportunity to use their creativity and further develop their writing and filmmaking skills to produce personal anti-tobacco messages that will engage viewers.
(interpretation ends) With direction from their Language Arts Teacher, Robert Ansley, these grade 7 and 8 students from Kugluktuk High School created anti-tobacco messages that both the judges and students all across the north found to be very effective and powerful.
Mr. Speaker, the first place ad will be aired on CBC North and Donovan’s class will receive the grand prize of $1,000 for classroom supplies.
Aimee’s class will receive $500 for school supplies for her second place finish, and Preston’s class will receive $300 for school supplies for his third place finish.
The video component of the Smoke Screening initiative will help northern educators work with students to discuss the harmful effects of tobacco.
Preventing youth from starting to smoke is a key component of the tobacco reduction efforts in the north.
(interpretation) I am very pleased and proud of this anti-tobacco cessation program. It’s working very well. I even quit using tobacco and I would like you to join me in celebrating this.
Member’s Statement 061 – 4(2): 2014 Graduates of Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I feel it’s appropriate to wear something blue today.
Mr. Speaker, today is the graduation day in Sanikiluaq. Although I’m unable to attend, it gives me great pride to rise in the House and congratulate the high school graduates from Sanikiluaq.
These young graduates are role models to the youth in their community.
Jonah Kittosuk;
Paddy Aqiatusuk;
Tommy Kudluarok;
Ippak Iqaluq;
Zack Kowcharlie;
Liza Appaqaq;
Ashley Appaqaq;
Margaret Inuktaluk; and
Dora Arragutainaq.
Mr. Speaker, it takes more than dedication from students to become graduates. It takes dedication from parents, guardians, teachers, and the community. I extend my congratulations to all those who helped our graduates achieve their success.
We are all proud of you.
Member’s Statement 062 – 4(2): Recognition of Bravery Award Recipients (Mapsalak)
I slept well last night. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three remarkable individuals from my constituency.
Mr. Speaker, during the fall sitting in November, I committed to providing the names of the three residents from Repulse Bay who had received bravery awards from the Hon. Commissioner of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Colinda Nimiqtaktuk, John Murray Ivalutanar, and Paul Tegumiar each received the Commissioner of Nunavut’s award for bravery.
Mr. Speaker, Colinda Nimiqtaktuk is a grade 9 student who, in 2009, saved her uncle from drowning during a hunting accident.
I commend Colinda for her action and thank her for reminding us all that age does not define our strength of courage
John Murray Ivalutanar, who is a power corporation worker, and Paul Tegumiar, construction worker, gave CPR to their fellow co-worker. Sadly, their attempt was unsuccessful, but I nevertheless praise John Murray and Paul for their compassion.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in applauding these three individuals for their courageous actions.
Member’s Statement 063 – 4(2): Departing Teachers in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
First of all, I apologize for my voice, as I got too excited last night.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to rise today to recognize two individuals from our Rachel Arngnammaktiq Elementary School, Ruth Paungrat and Suzanne Briggs.
Suzanne Briggs has been a grade 5 teacher for the past three years and will be relocating. I know the students will dearly miss her as a teacher.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, Ruth Paungrat has been employed by the Department of Education for the past 40 years as a teacher.
She will be leaving her career due to medical conditions that she is facing, which will lead her into retirement. I am fully aware that she has taught a lot of students at the Rachel Arngnammaktiq Elementary School. I would like to honour her.
I was one of her students in the past.
I know our community will be celebrating on behalf of the two teachers. I know everyone will have a good time celebrating these accomplishments during the community function.
Member for (interpretation ends) Rankin Inlet North (interpretation) and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Sammurtok.
Member’s Statement 064 – 4(2): Recognition of Medical Student (Sammurtok)
I have some happy news that I have to give to you all.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to congratulate and recognize the hard work and determination of Ms. Donna May Kimmaliarjuk from Chesterfield Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, Donna has just recognized a dream that she has had since she was seven years old and that was to become a doctor. Although the family currently lives in Ottawa, Donna’s mother is from my hometown of Chesterfield Inlet and Donna spent a number of her younger years there.
Deciding to follow the medical field was a big decision for her and it took a lot of commitment, hard work, and sacrifices. Donna knew this, but she persisted. After graduating from high school, she moved to Kingston, where she knew no one, to attend Queens University in 2007.
She received her Bachelor of Life Science with honours in June of 2011.
She entered medical school in Calgary in July 2011, and has just recently graduated as a medical doctor.
Now, Mr. Speaker, she has been accepted to the University of Ottawa’s Heart Institute on a six-year residency training program to become a cardiac surgeon.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to this opportunity to inform all of the youth in Nunavut that you too can achieve your dreams. It will take hard work and perseverance, but the opportunity for you is limitless. Please stay in school.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask all the Members in this House to join me in congratulating Donna with her achievements and we wish her luck as she moves forward.
Member’s Statement 065 – 4(2): Wishing the Montreal Canadiens a Good Summer (Okalik)
I have mixed emotions, it seems.
It’s unfortunate that last night, our team was defeated.
However, it’s Friday. It’s a fun day and we’re supposed to give out some good news.
Although our team lost and we’re not in the playoffs anymore, it was great to see the mighty Montreal Canadiens.
They have a nice young team and they’ve got great possibilities for the future, as is the case in Nunavut. We have a lot of youth. We just heard about a very successful student.
It’s great. There are good possibilities for the future.
This month passed very fast because of the Montreal Canadiens, although people say that they’re not real good.
They were good games.
Even though that happened, we have to move on and there are the teams that are left there, the Los Angeles Kings. My grandchild has a cousin on the team, so I’ll be supporting my grandchild.
I hope the games continue to go well.
Member’s Statement 066 – 4(2): Hockey Moms of Pangnirtung (Mike)