EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Given the situation facing the minister’s vacant positions in the Pond Inlet office, can he assure me that he will be meeting with his cabinet colleagues to push for units to be allocated to the Pond Inlet positions?
No, I have not spoken with the housing minister, but I know that my staff have been dealing with the staff of the Nunavut Housing Corporation to come up with solutions because Pond Inlet is not the only community that is short staff housing, even though the member keeps saying there are empty staff houses. I have heard it many times.
There is just not enough government staff housing within Nunavut to fill current positions.
When we have to compete with public housing and other infrastructure, we are a part of the line-up to get infrastructure needs, but my department will keep working with the department of housing to try to get staff housing.
I’m sure the minister and I see it in a different light.
I keep saying that we have a lack of government staff houses in Pond Inlet and you keep saying that you have a lack of housing, but we have about nine or ten government units in Pond Inlet that have never been lived in since they were built.
Another question I would like to ask is your staff directory indicates that one of your government positions based in Pond Inlet is the regional director of infrastructure.
Minister, can you confirm whether or not the current occupant of the position actually resides in Pond Inlet?
The position is filled currently by an interim person and I can’t say for sure that the body is in Pond Inlet. I just know it’s filled and I can get back to the member to see if the body is working in Pond Inlet.
An Hon. Member: They’re supposed to be.
Question 502 – 4(3): Foster Parenting (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, the issue of foster parenting is an important one across Nunavut. Sadly there are occasions where a child has to be removed from the family home for their best interest.
When that happens, they are often placed in a foster home where they are cared for until they can return to their family.
Can the minister clarify what criteria are in place to determine who is eligible to be a foster parent in Nunavut and what factors determine whether someone is not eligible to be a foster parent?
I will try to respond to this difficult question.
Mr. Speaker, potential foster parents are investigated properly by children and family services workers from the Department of Family Services.
They are investigated to see if they can become foster parents so that the children can have a proper place to stay.
Senior officials from the Department of Family Services look for an appropriate foster family for each child. The parents and social workers are involved when they place a child in foster care.
That’s the response I can provide to the member.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, a few days ago my colleague from Tununiq addressed the issue of foster parenting and questioned why children who are apprehended are not always placed with eligible foster families who share the same tradition and background.
Can the minister confirm that when a foster family is being selected for placing a child, the first priority should be to select a foster family which has a strong foundation in Inuit culture and heritage?
Yes, foster parenting is run by the Department of Family Services.
What my colleague explained is if it’s an Inuk child, then they try to place that child with a family that speaks the same language and has the same culture as that child.
If there is absolutely none available in the community, for example, if it’s an Inuk child or a Qallunaaq child or a child of any other culture, if there are no culturally appropriate foster families available or if any of their relatives aren’t available to take care of the child, then the child has to be put into the foster care plan.
For example, in Pond Inlet there was a child that was apprehended by Family Services.
They were taken care of by Family Services for a while before they could find a foster family outside the community because there were none available in the community.
We have to make sure that the child is in a safe place.
They did that to make sure the child was kept in a safe place because there was no one available in the community.
That has been done and that is the response I can provide at this time.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, many of the foster parents in the community of Baker Lake are government civil servants who are very busy with their careers and often work in positions of great responsibility.
While their contribution as foster parents is extremely important, it is also important that foster parents from other backgrounds are also being encouraged to provide caring homes.
Will the minister commit to encouraging and supporting the involvement of Inuit foster families within the government’s foster family system?
Let me start off with an apology, as I inadvertently mentioned a community when I should not have.
I apologize for my error.
Foster home placement, even if it is just an overnight placement, is a complicated process. As an example, any emergency placement is usually with an available foster home.
However, potential foster parents must undergo a thorough application process to determine their suitability and once they have that certification, they can temporarily foster a child.
Further, if a child needs to be put in foster care, the usual approach is to temporarily house them with relatives whenever possible.
As the Minister of Family Services, I can commit to looking into this.
With respect to children who need to be temporarily fostered and the places where they are housed, I can agree to that request to have it reviewed under my department.
Question 503 – 4(3): Status of New Power Station in Cape Dorset (Joanasie)
I first want to acknowledge his position as he is currently the fourth Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation and it seems every year the portfolio is assigned to another minister.
My first question is: can the minister provide a status update on the construction of a new power plant in Cape Dorset?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for pointing out.
Yes, I think I am the fourth minister. I don’t know how many portfolios I’ve had with the government.
I’ve had the portfolio of the Qulliq Energy Corporation for quite a while now, and I want it known that I used to work for the QEC.
With respect to the power plant in Cape Dorset, it has been in the works for quite a while.
The planning has been quite smooth, along with the research required for the land and geotechnical studies on the area where it would be built within the community.
The space has been identified by the hamlet council. They informed QEC that the parcel of land where it would be located includes (interpretation ends) lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. (interpretation) The hamlet council has identified the lots where the power plant would be located.
Yes, this process is moving forward quite well, Mr. Speaker.
A land lease is required when anything is to be constructed, and he just indicated that these are the lots that the hamlet has identified.
My question now is: has the Qulliq Energy Corporation signed a land lease agreement for the lots where construction will be taking place?
Indeed, much of the preparation work revolved around the land studies, which I stated has moved forward, and the design drawing has been completed. The design of the power plant includes construction blueprints for this project.
There are some issues from the summer when the preparations should have been completed.
The power plant project is proceeding smoothly for Cape Dorset now.
He did not respond to my question, but I would still like to know, if a land lease agreement is not yet signed, when do they expect to sign an agreement?
Lastly, capital estimates for the Qulliq Energy Corporation are not reviewed in this House and it is only later that it becomes known which communities will receive a new power plant.
Can the minister indicate when the construction of the power plant in Cape Dorset would begin and whether he has the estimates required to complete the project?
Yes, as per my responses earlier, much of the work required has been completed.
In this current month the studies will be largely completed and we will have an idea of the overall costs. The construction costs are still being finalized.
With respect to the member’s question about the land lease agreement, once the first stages of work are completed, the signing of the land lease agreement will be the next step in the process.
However, most of the work has been completed which were needed to move this project forward, and the planning work for the power plant in Cape Dorset is completed.
Question 504 – 4(3): Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators (Angnakak)
Earlier during this sitting I tabled the resolutions that were passed by the Nunavut Association of Municipalities during their May 2016 annual general meeting.
During the meeting the association made a resolution calling upon the government to provide funding for the creation of an executive director position within the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators.
The association argues that the creation of this position would ensure that the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators has the capacity to remain an active and independent organization, and that such a position would benefit the Nunavut Association of Municipalities as well as the Government of Nunavut.
Can the minister tell us what specific discussions, if any, his department has had with the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators concerning their need for an executive director?
I can’t tell the member exactly what conversations have been happening, but I’m sure they have.
I also want to let the member know that different organizations like NAM and the mayors make resolutions.
Most of the time we are not party to the resolution, so we can’t assist them in making the resolution, but we get the resolutions.
Sometimes there are financial implications with resolutions that are made. In that instance steps where there are financial implications involved, we have to have deep discussions.
As the member is well aware, we can’t just create jobs out of thin air. There has to be a master plan.
I can’t say exactly what conversations have been happening between CGS and NAM.
In speaking with the NAM executive director, he told me that he has actually been volunteering in that position for the last eight years and they have been asking CGS for this type of support and they haven’t got it.
As the minister is aware, a number of municipalities face challenges related to the high rates of staff turnover in senior administrative officer positions.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities argues that, if the position created, an executive director of the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators could provide support to senior administrative officers during these periods of turnover.
Can the minister tell us today what specific actions his department is taking to ensure that municipalities that are facing high rates of turnover in these senior administrative officer positions have the administrative support that they need to deliver services to their residents?
I agree with the member that there is a high rate of turnover with SAOs.
It’s a stressful job and some people just aren’t cut out for that job, I guess, and there’s a high turnover.
That being said, when there is a sudden vacancy of an SAO, we work with the community to find an interim SAO.
If the SAO is retiring or they let them know when they’re leaving and if there’s ample time, then the job would be advertised.
In the event that they leave abruptly or suddenly, we work with the communities to get them an interim SAO.
There are a number of people who work for CGS that go from community to community to help them out with their finances and their SAOs.
We also have some contractors that work interim SAOs going from community to community.
I think then my next question will follow your comments. I think they go well together.
I recognize that the department provides financial assistance for the Nunavut Association of Municipalities through its contribution funding.
In light of what the minister just said about some of the problems that the hamlets are getting and how his department goes around and helps them, perhaps the minister indicate if his department has considered the possibility of providing similar funding for the Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators to help them do their jobs.
I can’t say whether we have considered that or not, but whenever someone gives me or my department a suggestion, it will be considered and it should be considered because we’re here to make things work better and we’re here to service the communities.
There are also courses that go on and we are talking with Arctic College to put on courses through Arctic College through MTO to try to get SAOs trained right from the bottom up even if we have to because we know that we are short of SAOs.
If we can get more SAOs to apply, then that’s all the better.
As to exactly what suggestion the member is talking about, I can’t answer that right now.
Question 505 – 4(3): Consumer Protection Law in Nunavut (Okalik)
My questions are for the Minister responsible for Consumer Affairs.
Vehicles are sold here in Nunavut and some of them are used and sometimes they break down right away after being bought at a costly price.
We know that if you’re going to buy a big-ticket item like a vehicle down south, a report is legally required.
Can the minister work on getting similar legislation for Nunavut?
I am the Minister for Consumer Affairs, I guess it’s called, but I’m not sure if this would fall under my department or the Department of Transportation in terms of regulations on what is needed before any vehicle is registered.
I’m not sure; if the member can clarify his question.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Okalik, we need clarification.
He’s the minister responsible for the protection of consumers.
If I wanted to purchase a second-hand vehicle from down south, I would be able to look up the vehicle report on the Internet.
According to the legislation that they have in some jurisdictions, one can look at a report on that second-hand vehicle.
If we’re going to be selling second-hand vehicles, then consumers should have the opportunity to look at a report of the condition of the car so that they can find out what kind of problems they might encounter.
I would like to ask the minister if he can commit to looking at some kind of legislation.
I think this would best be addressed under the Motor Vehicles Act as it involves vehicles.
I’m willing to sit down with the member and take his concerns and consider it, but my understanding right now is that this is better addressed through the Motor Vehicles Act.
If the minister wants to sit with me, I’ll try to make myself available.
I know that the number of people selling second-hand vehicles is increasing and there are quite a number of people who have been buying second-hand vehicles that have had issues.
I would like to speak with the minister and have this discussion in the future.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to go back to Item 5.
There are no nays. Mr. Keyootak, please proceed.
I would like to recognize visitors in the gallery.
There are young people from my home community.
They all have the same last name, even though they’re not siblings.
The first one I would like to recognize is Adam Jonas Nookiguak, Annie Nookiguak, Anne Nookiguak, Mary Nookiguak, and Lena Nukiruaq.
I would like to welcome them to the gallery. I also want to let you know that the very last one is named after my mother.
Committee Report 015 – 4(3): Bill 14, Public Health Act (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to report that Bill 14, Public Health Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Bill 14 will appear on the orders of the day for Wednesday.
Item 13. (interpretation) Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister. (interpretation) I apologize. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, Ms. Pat Angnakak.
Tabled Document 201 – 4(3): Respectful Workplace Policy (Angnakak)
I wish to table a copy of the Yukon government’s Respectful Workplace Policy, which I encourage all members to review with care.
The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik.
Tabled Document 202 – 4(3): Yukon Public Service Commission Main Estimates (Okalik)
I wish to table a copy of the Yukon Public Service Commission’s 2016-17 Main Estimates.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) I have no more names on my list. Moving on.
>>House recessed at 15:39 and Committee resumed at 16:02
Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Good afternoon. Welcome back.
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut watching TV and listening to the radio.
Before we proceed, I would like to take this opportunity to wish a happy Halloween and safe trick-or-treating to all Nunavummiut.
I would also note that although we may have one or two tricks in store for ministers today, I’m sure that we’re all hoping for some extra treats in each department’s budgets.
Mr. Chairman, we would like to continue with the consideration of the proposed 2017-18 Capital Estimates of the Department of Family Services, followed by the Department of Environment.
Are we an agreement with first deal with Bill 24?
On my right is Rebekah Williams, Deputy Minister, and on my left is Sol Modesto-Vardy, Director of Corporate Services.
On Friday we were on page D-3. Family Service. Corporate Management.
Good afternoon to all the listeners. Happy Halloween to everyone.
On Friday the minister was responding to questions regarding the $2,020,000 for the case management system.
We have 25 communities. Can the minister give us an explanation as to how the system will operate?
The following communities now have operating case management systems: Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Cambridge Bay, Baker Lake, Gjoa Haven, Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Kugluktuk, Coral Harbour, and Sanikiluaq. Those are the communities now using the system. Naujaat, Hall Beach, and Kimmirut also now have the case management system.
We are requesting capital funding for Kugaaruk, Clyde River, Taloyoak, and Qikiqtarjuaq. The only outstanding communities for this coming year are Whale Cove, (interpretation ends) Chesterfield Inlet, Resolute Bay, (interpretation) Arctic Bay, and Grise Fiord. Those are the five communities that do not have the case management system and we will be installing them during the 2017-18 fiscal year.
With the case management system, of course there’s going to be a lot of personal or private information that will be going through the system. How are you going to protect the personal or private information that will be going through the case management system?
We have not implemented these changes as we are still concerned about the computer management system that the member mentions.
The private information, other privacy issues, or other information that have to be properly filed is a complex issue in the communities.
Computerizing the information file system is desirable, but we have to be diligent on how we deal with personal information in the most secure way possible. Once we have completed the computerization process, we would then transfer the personnel and privacy files to a computerized storage system.
The child and social services staff are in the process of making these upgrades.
Mr. Chairman, it’s going to be a great asset to our department. It will make the moving of documents a lot easier, including the protection of privacy files.
I just want further information on the first question that I brought up regarding what they do.
He identified the communities that already have a case management system and they’re proposing to put the system in the remaining communities.
What date will all Nunavut communities have a case management system?
The outstanding communities without the case management system, as I indicated earlier, are having a hard time managing the files because they are hard documents that are hand written and it seems less accessible when they are on paper.
They’re having a hard time moving the files around and it’s going to make it a lot easier once they get into the case management system.
We’re looking at the last four communities to have the case management system installed in 2017-18.
After 2017-18 there are only going to be five outstanding communities that will need to have the case management system installed.
That’s our plan.
Can the minister elaborate on how it’s going to make it easier to handle files with the case management system? Can he elaborate or give us an update on how it’s going to be easier to handle the files?
The communities in Nunavut are all part of the social service work and child services work in each of the 25 individual communities, there are actually 26, but in the 25 communities, for example, if there is a file opened in Kugluktuk and some of that information has to be sent to Iqaluit, carrying out that work is very difficult to do without the computer system.
Once the case management system is operating for children services and income support, especially for those we prioritize, it would result in a much faster resolution of the work on the files and with the income support or any other programs or services we provide, the turnaround time will be a lot shorter.
We have noticed that with communities that have the case management system.
If he has any particulars, I would be pleased to answer them, Mr. Chairman.
I’m trying to understand how it’s going to make it easier to manage. The reason why I’m asking that question is because I don’t know how it works or what services or programs go through the case management system.
With respect to the capital funding of $1.15 million that you are requesting, for example, there are some monies for renovations.
For example, here in Iqaluit the social services office was renovated.
I think it used to be the Nunavut Court of Justice housed at the Arnakallak Building, which now houses the Department of Family Services.
I heard that it used to be called the Arnakallak Building, but there hasn’t been a sign outside since it was renovated.
Will it still be called the Arnakallak Building or are you going to be giving it another name?
The name hasn’t changed. It is still the Arnakallak Building, but we will ask the owners to put up the sign again.
We know that this doesn’t change the name of the building.
It’s a good name and I can say this as a past resident of this area and that it is the name of a past resident.
We will follow up on this with the owners of the building.
I also thank him. There may be offices in other communities that need renovations. How do you identify which community offices will be renovated, especially if a particular office is a priority item for renovation?
Can he describe how they identify which Family Services offices, whether it is inside or outside the building, require renovations? How do they determine which ones are a priority?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for the question.
There are different reasons. The Department of Family Services was recently separated from the Department of Health. This process started in 2013.
Even though we have a Department of Family Services, with it having moved from the Department of Health as an independent department, whether it be vehicles, offices, or other materials, they’re still using old equipment.
The separation of offices is one of the issues. It has been planned that way for a while now. The Department of Family Services wanted separate offices outside of the Department of Health.
That’s how it is set up for renovations of office buildings.
We are all aware that in Nunavut there are no healing centres or treatment centres.