EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Now that the functions of the former Department of Human Resources have been integrated into the Department of Finance and now that a new Public Service Act is in place, can the minister indicate what initiatives his department is planning to improve the system of casual hiring and foster Inuit employment?
I thank Mr. Hickes for that very important question.
I have been asking that question at length for the last nine or ten months.
There are some issues, as Mr. Hickes indicated.
As a government, we’re stressing rigour and consistency in the public service, particularly in the hiring and recruitment of staff.
We’re working with all departments to ensure that they do hire people based on established policies and practices of the government. Of course, we amended the Public Service Act last fall. Again, we have said that people will be hired and promoted based on merit.
Nepotism is something that we don’t condone.
We are continuing as a department on our HR side to work with all departments. We’re getting some pushback. I think people are getting the message that it’s important that the Government of Nunavut be seen as an employer of first choice if people are seeking employment and that they will be treated fairly and respectfully when they’re seeking employment.
Question 017 – 4(1): Kimmirut Airport (Joanasie)
As the minister is aware, Kimmirut’s airport is one of the most challenging airports in the entire country at which to land due to its location and the length of its airstrip.
Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the department indicated in response to a question asked in the Legislative Assembly that it would “consider allocating funds to a preliminary study on the feasibility of relocating the airport.”
Will the minister commit to initiating a study within the next 12 months on the relocation of the Kimmirut Airport, yes or no?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
I would also like to thank my colleague for asking the question.
This morning, I am unable to say yes or no, but I will look into it with my department to see where they are right now with this issue. I will look into it and get the information for the member.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
As the minister is aware, the community of Pangnirtung’s airport is also in need of relocation and funding has been previously approved by the department and the Legislative Assembly to move forward on this issue.
Given that Kimmirut’s circumstances are very similar to those of Pangnirtung, can the minister explain why funding to relocate Kimmirut’s airport has not yet been proposed by his department?
I am aware of the other matter that my colleague is referring to, the Pangnirtung Airport.
I am also aware of the problems of the location of the airstrip that have been explained and your question in regard to Kimmirut.
Mr. Speaker, airstrips in Nunavut have different locations. Some of them are adequate and some are kind of dangerous. The areas where there are mountains have problems.
Some airstrips are too low and communities are encroaching upon those areas. For that reason, there are many different problems that have to do with airstrips.
The concerns about the Kimmirut airstrip are going to be looked at by our department. We will look into the matter.
Speaker (interpretation): Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
The Government of Nunavut is prepared to spend tens of millions of dollars on a new airport for Iqaluit.
Can the minister tell me why the government appears unable or unwilling to assist Kimmirut in relocating its airport?
I thank the member for that question. As I stated before, every Nunavut airstrip has its own problems and we have to keep an eye on all of them and we have to carefully allocate limited funds to them as well. The Kimmirut Airport is included for consideration and that is all I can say for now.
Question 018 – 4(1): Utilidor Development in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to the minister for having recently taken the time to visit Baker Lake and see with his own eyes the exciting growth that is taking place in the community.
As the minister is aware, the municipal council of Baker Lake recently passed a formal resolution that called on the government to work with the community to undertake a feasibility study for a new utilidor.
Can the minister indicate when the municipality can expect to receive a formal response from his department on this issue?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank (interpretation ends) the Hon. Member for Baker Lake (interpretation) for asking that question.
As well, just recently, I went to Baker Lake along with my officials to have a meeting with the Baker Lake hamlet council. This was brought up during that meeting and this issue was raised.
At this time, I can state that our departmental officials will be returning to Baker Lake to hold further meetings with the hamlet council on this issue and to look at the potential for building the utilidor in Baker Lake.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak.
It is my understanding that the federal government has provided assistance to the Government of Nunavut through the Building Canada Fund to help pay for the cost of replacing Resolute Bay’s utilidor system.
Can the minister indicate if his department is considering making a request for federal funding to support the cost of constructing a new utilidor for Baker Lake?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I can advise the member that we are in the process of finalizing an agreement with the federal government regarding the Gas Tax Fund and also the Building Canada Fund.
Once the agreement is signed, we will be able to determine how much we can provide in assistance for this project. (interpretation) Thank you.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As the minister is aware, his department has been working with Nunavut communities in recent years to develop integrated community infrastructure sustainability plans.
Baker Lake’s plan, which was undertaken in 2010, includes discussion of a new utilidor.
Can the minister indicate how his department is taking this plan into consideration when developing its annual capital expenditures?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The program that the hon. member mentioned does identify needs that are presented by each municipality.
We take that information and we prioritize information provided to us based on needs, health and safety.
As our department reviews these submissions, we will then be able to determine the prioritization of the item that the hon. member has brought up.
Member for (interpretation ends) Arviat South, Mr. Savikataaq.
Question 019 – 4(1): Status of Manitoba-Nunavut Transboundary Negotiations (Savikataaq)
My questions are for the Premier, whose department is responsible for intergovernmental affairs.
Mr. Speaker, an ongoing issue of concern for residents of Arviat is the status of transboundary negotiations with First Nations in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
The annual business plans of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs have previously indicated that the Government of Nunavut “participates on the federal negotiating team in both overlapping claims” and that it also “participates as an observer in the Inuit claim to the Kivahiktuq Settlement Area in Northern Manitoba.”
Mr. Speaker, although people in Arviat understand that negotiations of this nature involve a degree of confidentiality, the government needs to clearly explain its role.
Can the Premier outline what the government’s objectives are in this process?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Taptuna.
The member is absolutely correct. At times, his community has been very concerned with the progress and the process of negotiations.
There is an agreement between the parties that are negotiating where there is a confidentiality clause.
There are no real negotiation tactics or strategies that I can give out at this time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq.
These negotiations have been ongoing for many years and they involve potentially significant amounts of land.
Can the Premier indicate how close the parties are to reaching an agreement?
The process goes all the way back to 1871, so it is taking a long time.
Mr. Speaker, I can’t say at this time exactly when the negotiations are going to be complete due to confidentiality agreements between the parties.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Savikataaq.
In June of last year, the federal cabinet approved an Order in Council to “withdraw from disposal the surface and subsurface rights to certain lands, for a period of three years, in order to facilitate the conclusion of Aboriginal land agreements.”
It is my understanding that this land was taken out through a further process.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that this applies to approximately 21,000 square kilometres of Crown land in the southern Kivalliq and will temporarily restrict development on the land.
Mr. Speaker, as I noted earlier, the GN has indicated that it “participates on the federal negotiating team in both overlapping claims.”
Can the Premier indicate how the decision of restricting development is expected to help settle the land claims in the area?
Mr. Speaker, the process is ongoing. Negotiations are continuing. I agree that this has taken a long time with the parties involved, but at the end of the day, there has been some progress made within the claims and we look forward to continuing on to a conclusion of the negotiation.
Question 020 – 4(1): Repulse Bay Airport Terminal Building (Mapsalak)
Mr. Speaker, in Repulse Bay, we have an airport terminal that is really old and the airstrip is within the municipality, and Repulse Bay has a population of just a little over 1,000.
Mr. Speaker, residents live in real danger there, especially residents who are trying to leave town by aircraft, especially in the wintertime when it’s really cold.
The airport terminal is even smaller than this room and we have over 1,000 people living in the community.
Some of them even have to wait outside for their flight because there is no room in the terminal and passengers deplaning have no room in the terminal.
People are aware of it and because we are in this critical situation, I would like to ask: when can we expect a new, more adequate airport terminal for Repulse Bay?
Thank you to my colleague for asking that good question. The issues you spoke about are absolutely truthful.
Many airport terminals in Nunavut are in the same situation in terms of age and have been continually used ever since they were constructed. We are aware that some terminals are too small to accommodate passengers, especially in communities that have more than one airline or different types of aircraft arriving in their communities.
With respect to Repulse Bay, I concur with your statement that the airport terminal falls into the category of old terminals requiring replacement. However, our department is reviewing the issue of replacing air terminals based on the needs and priorities of communities.
The minister stated that this is very urgent, so I would like to know how the minister defines urgency.
I just said incoming and outgoing passengers are waiting outdoors.
When would it be considered “urgent”?
I would appreciate clarity on that.
As I stated earlier, there are many airport terminals in Nunavut that have problems. Some of them are too small and some have electrical problems. The number of aircrafts coming into the communities has greatly increased as well.
Many of them are in critical situations and some of them are just too small to accommodate the number of people in the community.
We have to carefully look at all of these matters and we have to realistically follow the procedure where we determine priorities.
This is a critical matter because we are in physical danger. If something happens in the terminal, people will not be able to rush outside if a problem occurs inside the terminal.
Can the minister agree that we would like this to be the absolute priority in the airport terminals? Can you see if you can get us an airport and for Repulse Bay to be the priority?
As I said earlier, each terminal has their own problems and they each have needs. Some of them are inadequate and some of them, like you said, are too small.
Repulse Bay has one of the oldest airport terminals, and we are going to be looking at all of the airport terminals, especially the ones that are considered too small now.
Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) MLA for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Question 021 – 4(1): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s General Rate Application (Rumbolt)
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 2014-15 Phase 1 and Phase 2 General Rate Application was submitted to the minister in December of last year.
Can the minister indicate what the timeline is for the general rate application to be considered by the Utility Rates Review Council before it makes its recommendations to the government?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I understand that this process requires the review of the Utility Rates Review Council.
I’m not the minister responsible, but I signed off on a request from the Qulliq Energy Corporation, I believe, in December of [last] year. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In February of 2012, it was announced in the Legislative Assembly that the Qulliq Energy Corporation would be moving towards implementing a territorial power rate structure as of April 1, 2014.
This approach involves, and I quote, “rebalancing between communities to gradually levelize rates across the territory.”
Could the minister confirm if the new rate structure will actually be in place as of April 1?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) No, not at this time.
We need to review all the other programs in place and I commit to doing that over the next few years. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
In reviewing QEC’s general rate application, it appears that the proposed new rate structure will involve increases in power rates for some customers in some communities and decreases in power rates for customers in other communities.
For the benefit of the thousands of Nunavut residents who pay power bills each month, could the minister outline QEC’s rationale for this new approach?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We need to review all the programs in place for subsidies and rate variances in each of the communities.
I’m meeting with the Qulliq Energy board next week and I look forward to working on this further with all the entities involved. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 022 – 4(1): Medical Travel Policy on Escorts (Enook)
I would like to direct my line of questions to the Minister of Health.
Yesterday, we discussed the issue of medical travel, particularly the situations faced by unilingual Inuit who sometimes have to travel alone for medical treatment.
Mr. Speaker, whenever our government carries out programs, it is generally prefaced by a study or the hiring of consultants to review the issue.
I want to refer back to an issue voiced by my colleague, Mr. Rumbolt, during his questions that this issue had been reviewed and the policy was revised and changed.
I imagine that the prerequisite consultants were hired to conduct this review or perhaps the department undertook that work in-house.
I want to ask this question, Mr. Speaker. When this policy was being reviewed for possible changes to it, who was involved? Who did the department consult amongst Nunavummiut prior to changing the policy?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Health, Ms. Ell.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Good morning and thank you to my colleague for asking that question.
The request to review the policy led to the government hiring a consultant firm called DPRA Canada.
This firm was hired for this review of the policy and they conducted a (interpretation ends) jurisdictional review (interpretation) in Nunavut.
Part of their work involved surveying people on medical travel, including parents of medical patients as well as employees. This survey, once completed, resulted in a report with recommendations on the issue that was submitted to the government.
Qujannamiik, hon. minister. (interpretation) When speaking about consultants who were retained for this work, I asked the question about who was queried about this issue. The response was that some parents and employees were interviewed.
Was there any attempt to survey any unilingual Inuit, those who would be impacted by these changes?
As per my earlier response, the firm also consulted the clients, people who actually go on medical travel, whether or not they were bilingual or unilingual.
They didn’t survey every patient, but they did conduct surveys with people who rely on our health system.
Let me ask this question then.
There are quite a few unilingual Inuit who are out for medical reasons. Some of them, I am told, are not eligible to bring escorts.
When I think about escorts, I think that it is not something just for fun.
We are talking about an escort who is bilingual, who you can consult with, and who would help you no matter what the situation might be.
I don’t think it is just a matter of wanting to have an escort. It is someone who will help you during your medical travel.
For the elders or for anybody who is a unilingual Inuk and who is required to go to another location for medical reasons, at times, the plane does not arrive at their destination due to weather.
When there is a unilingual Inuk onboard and they land at another location other than their destination, then who is going to help this elder out?
If this unilingual individual is alone and in a strange location, who would help the individual in that type of situation?
When people sent out for medical treatment are eligible for interpreters at their destination, just as it stands now, the purpose was to make it universal across the board.
Our department wants to treat everybody equally, with a priority placed on the patients.
Patient care and services is placed as a priority and there are four or five requirements.
If there are no interpreters at their ultimate destination, then they would be eligible to have an escort.
Additionally, if the medical patient feels that they have been mistreated or inadequately served, they could approach the Patient Relations Office to help resolve their complaints.
Question 023 – 4(1): Affordable Homeownership in Nunavut (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in July of 2012, the Nunavut Housing Corporation announced changes to its Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program. These changes included introducing a fixed percentage amount of 7.5 percent to a maximum of $30,000 in down-payment assistance, eliminating the two-year Nunavut residency requirement, and providing assistance up to the first $400,000 of the purchase value of a home.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the cost of purchasing a home in Nunavut is extremely high, considering that a modest three-bedroom house can cost from $450,000 to $1 million.
Can the minister explain how the changes to the Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program have contributed to helping Nunavummiut purchase a home?
Question period is now over, but we will complete this portion.
(interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
We have homeownership assistance programs to adequately assist people financially for their own homes.
I know that to some degree and for some people who negotiate mortgages from banks, they don’t have the necessary financing to successfully acquire their own homes and that is what this program by the Nunavut Housing Corporation is aimed for.
Those are the types of programs that we are providing at the Nunavut Housing Corporation to enable the people of Nunavut to own their own homes through assistance for homeownership.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) The Nunavut Down Payment Assistance Program income eligibility threshold level of $125,000 has not been changed for many years.
Considering the high cost of purchasing a home, the high cost of properly maintaining it, the high cost of utility bills, water bills, and sewage bills, can the minister explain why the corporation has chosen not to increase the income eligibility threshold level?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
I’m not really versed on what is in the details of the down-payment assistance program income eligibility threshold. I will get the information and get back to the member.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Many years ago, I was able to purchase my home through the Access Housing Program.
When reviewing the corporation’s website, I found a reference to the Tenant-to-Owner Program. However, when I tried to print out a pamphlet, all it indicated was to “check with your Local Housing Organization or District office.”
Can the minister clarify the purpose of the Tenant-to-Owner Program and can he indicate how many Nunavummiut have benefited from this program?
I thank the Member for Baker Lake for the question.
The questions that the member is asking will be responded to by my department as soon as I get the information.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The time for question period is over.
I seek unanimous consent to go back to Item 5 in the Orders of the Day.
At this time, I am pleased and proud to recognize the Mayor from Pond Inlet and Chairman for the Baffin Mayors’ Conference, Charlie Enuaraq. Welcome.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) We are now to Item 7.
Written Questions. There are none.
Returns to Written Questions. No. 8. There are none.
Replies to Opening Address. There are none.
There are none. Item 11.
Responses to Petitions. There are none.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) Member for Pangnirtung, Minister Mike.
Tabled Document 012 – 4(1): Environmental Rights Act Annual Report for the Period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Environmental Rights Act Annual Report for the period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Tabled Document 013 – 4(1): Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report for 2012-2013 (Kuksuk)
I am pleased to table the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Annual Report for 2012-13.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Matters.
Motion 010 – 4(1): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Netsilik, that the House adjourn for the day.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order and is not debatable.
The motion is carried and we will proceed directly to the Orders of the Day.
Just a reminder for members of the various meetings scheduled for this afternoon as articulated in the sessional work plan.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 10, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 11:01
Monday, March 10, 2014
Pages 110 – 164
Opening Prayer 110
Ministers’ Statements 110
Members’ Statements 113
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 118
Oral Questions 119
Written Questions 134
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 136
Report of the Committee of the Whole 163
Orders of the Day 163
Monday, March 10, 2014 110