EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Will you agree to provide that information, Hon. Minister?
Hon. Paul Quassa: Mr. Chairman, I agree.
The other thing that is on my mind is the mental health program and I brought it up with the health minister because I understand that the funding came from them.
Where are you at with your discussions over the delivery of that program? When do you expect to be able to deliver that program again?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the member for that question.
Just recently, we had a meeting with the Department of Health. I think it was on March 6 last Friday.
We call it niaqulirijiit in Inuktitut, (interpretation ends) the mental health worker program, (interpretation) and we discussed how we can resurrect that course. We are also going to be working closely with the (interpretation ends) the Department of Family Services (interpretation) to get that program going again. It’s in the works.
We are on page M-3.
Nunavut Arctic College. Nunavut Arctic College.
Total. Operations and Maintenance. $32,625,000.
Do the members agree that we have concluded Nunavut Arctic College?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) as we conclude this item, I would like to give you an opportunity to make any closing remarks.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I would like to thank my colleagues for their questions. I will make sure that all the detailed information will be made available.
All this information has been very helpful to us.
I would also like to thank Peter Ma, Marcelo, and Elaine for being here with me and putting all the information together.
Have a good evening. Thank you.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister (interpretation) and your officials.
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 16 and would like to report progress and that one committee motion was adopted. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
A reminder of meetings for tomorrow, the meeting of the Regular Members’ Caucus at nine o’clock in the Nanuq Boardroom and at ten o’clock, a meeting of the Management and Services Board in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Motion 20 – 4(2)
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Pages 2422 – 2484
Opening Prayer 2422
Ministers’ Statements 2422
Members’ Statements 2425
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2427
Oral Questions 2428
Tabling of Documents 2444  Motions 2445
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2445
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2483
Orders of the Day 2484
Thursday, March 12, 2015 2422
127 – 4(2): Technical Professional Studies Scholarships Awarded (Sammurtok) 2422
128 – 4(2): Council of the Federation Literacy Awards (Taptuna) 2423
129 – 4(2): Standardized Writing System in Schools (Quassa) 2424
130 – 4(2): 2015 Tourism in Nunavut Conference (Ell) 2424
131 – 4(2): Donation to Camp Cook Program from 1984 Nunavut Group of Companies (Quassa) 2425
262 – 4(2): Housing Issues in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 2425
263 – 4(2): Igloolingmiut Open Food Bank (Quassa) 2426
264 – 4(2): Pangnirtung Winter Turbot Fishery (Mike) 2427
442 – 4(2): Community Access to Medical Specialists (Enook) 2428
443 – 4(2): Baker Lake Elders Hospice (Mikkungwak) 2429
444 – 4(2): Housing Issues in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 2431
445 – 4(2): Repulse Bay’s Sewage Lagoon (Mapsalak) 2433
446 – 4(2): Decentralization Policy (Savikataaq) 2434
447 – 4(2): Federal Funding for Nunavut Housing Corporation (Rumbolt) 2435
448 – 4(2): Early School Leavers (Angnakak) 2437
449 – 4(2): Standardized Writing System in Schools (Joanasie) 2439
450 – 4(2): 2015 Council of the Federation Meeting (Hickes) 2440
451 – 4(2): Mental Health Workers in Communities (Enook) 2443
117 – 4(2): Report Respecting Benefits Paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policies for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2014 (Taptuna) 2444
118 – 4(2): 103rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada and Joint Declaration of Provincial and Territorial Education and Labour Market Ministers (Quassa) 2444
119 – 4(2): FPT Health Ministers’ Meeting, Banff September 30 – October 1, 2014 (Okalik) 2444
120 – 4(2): Kivalliq Wildlife Board Resolution Concerning the Kiggavik Project (Mikkungwak) 2444
121 – 4(2): 2014-2017 Business Plan of the Office of the Languages Commissioner (Speaker) 2445
122 – 4(2): 2015-2018 Business Plan of the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (Speaker) 2445
020 – 4(2): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak) 2445
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee 2446
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 2470
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) as well as the interpreters and staff. Good afternoon.
(interpretation ends) Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 127 – 4(2): Technical Professional Studies Scholarships Awarded (Sammurtok)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) It is my pleasure to rise in the House today to announce our second round of recipients of the 2014-15 Technical Professional Studies Scholarship.
The Technical Professional Studies Scholarships are awarded by the Department of Community and Government Services to full-time students from Nunavut attending university, college, or technical school for programs in the following fields:
The 2014-15 Professional Technical Studies Scholarship recipients are:
Lucy Curley (Rankin Inlet)
Jonathan Ehaloak (Iqaluit)
Chad Graham (Rankin Inlet)
Maria Kasaluak (Iqaluit)
Lisa Kolola (Rankin Inlet)
Stephanie Matthews (Iqaluit)
Troy Netser (Coral Harbour)
Tyler Rowe (Iqaluit)
Providing motivation and financial support to pursue educational opportunities is key to building a highly skilled workforce in Nunavut.
These scholarships will assist Nunavummiut in pursuing a post-secondary education in technical and professional programs, skills they can bring back to work here in Nunavut.
On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I would like to congratulate the Technical Professional Studies Scholarship recipients and wish them the best of success in their studies. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 128 – 4(2): Council of the Federation Literacy Awards (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly about an annual Canada-wide event aimed at raising the profile of literacy.
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award is presented to one extraordinary individual in each of the provinces and territories.
The Council of the Federation Literacy Award looks to recognize adults who go above and beyond to support, encourage, and promote literacy and its importance in our communities.
Mr. Speaker, literacy is essential to thriving in our global economy and society. It means much more than just the ability to read and write; literacy contains elements of numeracy, technology, and adaptation.
Education, specifically improved literacy, is an important priority of this government, and we are committed to helping Nunavummiut reach their full potential.
This award is an opportunity to celebrate our successes within the territory and expand on the best practices of Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, I am excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2015 award and I invite my colleagues to promote this important initiative throughout their constituencies.
The last day to submit nominations is June 26, 2015.
Past Nunavut winners include educator and publisher Neil Christopher, Nunavut Arctic College Director Louise Flaherty, and adult learner Annie Neglak.
These individuals have all shown great initiative, vision, and commitment to literacy in Nunavut.
I look forward to seeing who is nominated this year and to announcing the recipient of the 2015 Council of the Federation Award in September.
Mr. Speaker, more information is provided on the Nunavut government’s website.
Minister’s Statement 129 – 4(2): Standardized Writing System in Schools (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good day, my colleagues and my fellow residents of Igloolik in Aggu and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak to my colleagues about work my department is doing to explore the feasibility of using Roman orthography as the standard writing system in our schools.
Our government has stated in its mandate document, Sivumut Abluqta, that we are committed to strengthening and enhancing the use of Inuktitut and my department plays a key role in achieving this goal.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, bilingual education is a vital element of our education system.
In order to provide high-quality bilingual education, we are looking at the benefits of a standardized education system, one that would provide quality learning experiences and an equal opportunity for success for all students.
Mr. Speaker, at the senior levels, we have discussed the issue of standardizing the writing system for Inuktitut in our schools and we believe that a standard writing system has the potential to build an environment where students would be better equipped for learning more than one language.
(interpretation) Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit has a mandate to develop and standardize the use of Inuktitut.
I spoke with them and they passed a motion that supports our work. We are looking to explore the benefits of transitioning to the Roman orthography writing system.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, this is a complex initiative. Our first step is to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for cabinet consideration that includes information on:
staff capacity to provide instruction in Roman orthography,
resources development, including an inventory of existing curriculum documents and resources,
field test design and preparation, and
communications and consultation.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, I look forward to reporting back to Nunavummiut on the feasibility of this important initiative.
Minister’s Statement 130 – 4(2): 2015 Tourism in Nunavut Conference (Ell)
I am pleased to announce that our partner, Nunavut Tourism, is hosting the second Tourism in Nunavut Conference from March 9 to 13 in Iqaluit.
This conference brings together 110 tourism stakeholders from Nunavut’s tourism sector ranging from local outfitters to industry leaders across Canada.
Taking place every three years, this event is made possible with support from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Mr. Speaker, this conference provides a venue for building new ideas on tourism, from strengthening tourism products, developing new marketing opportunities and business relationships to how communities and all Nunavummiut can benefit from tourism.
Mr. Speaker, tourism continues to be a growing industry in Nunavut and is a sector with tremendous potential for many of our communities.
Initiatives such as the 2015 Tourism in Nunavut Conference help strengthen Nunavut’s tourism sector and realize its potential.
Ministers’ Statements. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Quassa.
Minister’s Statement 131 – 4(2): Donation to Camp Cook Program from 1984 Nunavut Group of Companies (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, it is my pleasure to share with my colleagues news from the recent 2015 Kitikmeot Trade Show held in Cambridge Bay.
Nunavut Arctic College’s Camp Cook Program students were responsible for catering the event and all accounts indicate that it was a great success.
Cooking and providing food for the trade show created a wonderful opportunity for students to show off their culinary and presentation skills to the citizens of Cambridge Bay and visitors from all over Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, on Monday, February 9, a $5,000 donation was made to the Camp Cook Program on behalf of the 1984 Nunavut Group of Companies in appreciation for all the hard work and success of students in the program.
Nakurmiik, Koana, Ma’na, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 262 – 4(2): Housing Issues in Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
Good morning to Gjoa Haven and good afternoon, Inuit (interpretation) here in Iqaluit.
(interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak about the ongoing housing shortage in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, I raised this issue during our recent fall sitting. I will continue to raise it in this House until the situation begins to improve in Gjoa Haven.
Mr. Speaker, when I last addressed this issue, I provided information to the House concerning the overcrowding situation in Gjoa Haven.
At that time, I described such shocking situations at homes that have over a dozen people living in them.
Mr. Speaker, I do recognize that Gjoa Haven is not unique and I do understand that all communities in Nunavut face housing shortages.
However, I have also pointed out that information from such initiatives as the Nunavut Food Price Survey have revealed that my constituents face the burden of one of the highest costs of living in all of the north.
Mr. Speaker, we are all very much aware of the social problems that result from housing shortages and overcrowding.
Mr. Speaker, substance abuse, elder abuse, health problems, and truancy are all made worse by overcrowding and homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that the Nunavut Housing Corporation tries to be fair and objective in determining which communities are in the greatest need for new public housing.
However, it is also important that our communities have confidence that their needs will not be neglected forever.
Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s current housing allocation system indicates that Gjoa Haven is one of the top ten communities in need of new public housing.
I will continue to advocate for improvements to the housing situation in Gjoa Haven. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 263 – 4(2): Igloolingmiut Open Food Bank (Quassa)
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again today to announce to my colleagues the ability of the people of Igloolik to provide assistance to their fellow Inuit.
Around the beginning of the new year, some time around January 7, multitudes of Inuit in Igloolik held a gathering to open up a (interpretation ends) food bank (interpretation) to assist people in need.
This is part of our traditional Inuit cultural trait of sharing. Inuit have always shared their food with those less fortunate.
I want to expressly single out the following people: Jeannie Kulluk Angidlik, who initiated the (interpretation ends) food bank (interpretation) to assist less fortunate individuals in Igloolik and looked at potential partners for this initiative locally.
She was able to recruit volunteers for this cause and they were: Natashia Angidlik, Kate Kublu, Akittiq Angutiqjuaq, Percy Attagutak, and Bobby Kadlutsiak.
I would also like to thank the people of Igloolik Co-op who donated food to the food bank and also the local RCMP. They were very helpful when they were fundraising.
At the Roman Catholic Mission, they provided the space to store the foods.
They raised $3,300 for the food bank created to assist people facing food insecurity.
The volunteers did a tremendous job providing this essential local service and I would like to say “thank you” especially to them.
It is also quite obvious that many Nunavummiut are involved in these types of initiatives, so let us take the time to express our gratitude here in the House.
Member’s Statement 264 – 4(2): Pangnirtung Winter Turbot Fishery (Mike)
I rise today to speak about an ongoing venture, although it isn’t a new one. As I do on occasion, I have made announcements about the winter turbot fishery in Pangnirtung.
The residents of Pangnirtung are well known, much like other communities, for bowhead whale hunting, beluga harvesting, seal harvesting, and fur sales to complement their incomes.
One of the ventures they are quite successful at in this age is the turbot fishery, specifically winter turbot ice-fishing on the sea ice.
To date, the local fishermen have offloaded approximately (interpretation ends) 312,000 lbs., (interpretation) translating into revenue for the fishermen of approximately $360,000 which has been earned to date.
Additionally, I was just informed recently that this winter, in comparison with the same period last year, has resulted in an extra 40,000 lbs. of turbot catches.
The fishermen and their assistants that number over 130 involved in this winter fishery are all independent fishermen.
Due to their commitment, they have harvested these benthic species that have provided an economic boost to the community as well as to the economy of Nunavut.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I want to announce this as well. The total harvest reached about 700,000 lbs. last year, resulting in extra flights into Pangnirtung, as airfreight was required to export the turbot and to send the turbot to markets.
I am extremely happy for their success as my fellow residents and I am announcing their success to the House publicly.
We will move on. (interpretation ends) Item 4.
I say “good day” to my fellow residents of Nunavut and Arviat and the people of Whale Cove.
Today, I would like to recognize two senior researchers from the Canadian Deafness Research and Training Institute who are in the gallery today, people who have been doing good work in Nunavut towards revitalizing Inuit Sign Language.
They are Jamie and Paige MacDougall, (interpretation) who are standing over there.
(interpretation ends) They are from Montreal.
Actually, Mr. Speaker, they are a father and daughter team.
I would like to welcome them to the House today. (interpretation) Welcome. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
Speaker: Welcome to the gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
Question 442 – 4(2): Community Access to Medical Specialists (Enook)
Good afternoon to the residents of Pond Inlet and to our fine, fellow Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, as anyone who travels in the north will know, flights in and out of communities often experience delays and cancellations due to weather or mechanical failures or other reasons.
When community residents are unable to travel, through no fault of their own, they not only miss their medical appointment, but they often don’t get on the appointment list again for another year.
I have even heard of clients who have had to wait for over a year, even though they really need medical attention.
For the benefit of Nunavummiut, can the minister clearly explain what process is followed to prioritize medical clients on the appointment lists for visiting specialists and how ‘missed’ appointments, which are not the fault of the client, are accounted for?
Any medical patient whose travel has been arranged by the department receives a package, including a phone number that they can call if their travel has been delayed due to aircraft issues.
They are supposed to call this number and when they call early enough, the travel can be rebooked to try and catch the appointment for the client.
That is how it operates at this time.
However, sometimes they are unable to find space on the following flights due to the delays.
The bookings are usually reviewed in these cases to try and rebook their travel. This is part of the travel coordinator’s duties. When all things fall into place, the travel arrangements are usually rearranged.
Indeed, as per my earlier comments, when medical patients are placed in that situation, they are unable to attend to the doctor’s appointment due to aircraft cancellations or delays.
Can the minister indicate whether his department keeps track of the number of appointments that are missed because of late or cancelled airline flights?
As per my earlier response, the medical travel patients are provided with a package containing information such as a phone number to call if they experience any kind of travel problems or cancellations and they are asked to call immediately.
In the Baffin region, if any patient finds themselves in that situation, they can call this number at all hours: 1-866-371-3305.
In the Kivalliq, the number is 1-844-886-8020, and in the Kitikmeot region, the number is 1-844-886-8010.
These are the numbers medical patients can call at any time if their flights change and the travel coordinators try to immediately change their travel arrangements.
It is only when airline travel agencies are open that travel arrangements can be rescheduled, but sometimes these occur outside of working hours and these cases are rare.
In actuality, it can be heart-rending to see patients in this situation, especially patients who urgently require medical attention.
When the delays result in a missed appointment, they are the ones who are required to wait longer.
This is in the cases where flight cancellations or delays result in a further postponement of their appointments.
What I want to ask now even if that is the case is: can the minister describe what plans are in place to re-evaluate how often specialists visit the smaller communities and what factors determine whether to increase the number or frequency of visits?
During our review in the Committee of the Whole, we also debated this issue and our response at the time was that we would revisit this issue to see if the doctors can extend their visits, but it is governed by agreements. We would have to discuss this issue with the doctors to see if we can make those arrangements to extend the visitations into the communities. Further, we will try to find the most opportune time to review this idea.
Question 443 – 4(2): Baker Lake Elders Hospice (Mikkungwak)
I wish the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut a good day.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, as the minister will be aware, the Baker Lake Hospice provides much appreciated service and support to those elders who require assistance and support with daily living.
However, it has come to my attention that there are a number of concerns with the physical condition of the building, with the type of care that staff are able to provide, and with expectations of the staff which are often unreasonable and occasionally unacceptable.
Can the minister clearly explain how her department provides the necessary support to the Baker Lake Hospice Society to ensure that it is a safe, secure, and comfortable place for our elders to be taken care of?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking about the (interpretation ends) Baker Lake Hospice Society. (interpretation) It can house eight elders and $948,195 is our annual contribution for their operation.
My staff travelled to Baker Lake this winter in February.
We are waiting for follow-up and possible capital items to improve the elder facility in Baker Lake.
The hospice society is run by a board with a (interpretation ends) contribution agreement (interpretation) that we fund.
My staff met the board of directors who are reviewing their operations and my department is looking at hospices to improve their operations. I can say that to the member.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I fully recognize that the Baker Lake Hospice is run by an independent board and not directly by the government.
However, the government does play a role in ensuring that services meet certain standards.
Can the minister clearly explain what support is provided to the board of directors of the Baker Lake Hospice to ensure that they are aware of their obligations and are able to meet them?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from Baker Lake for that question.
You asked what our department does.