EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I move that the 2010-11 Capital Estimates of Nunavut Arctic College, as funded through the appropriation of the Department of Finance, be increased by $50,000 and that the revised 2010-11 capital estimates reflect the moving forward of the Community Learning Centre Project for Whale Cove from the 2011-12 fiscal year to the 2010-11 fiscal year.
Before we proceed with debate on the motion, I have a few comments to make as to procedures. Every member has the right to speak once to the motion for a total time of 20 minutes. The mover of the motion speaks first.
The mover of the motion has the right to the last reply, which closes the debate. To the motion.
I appreciate the opportunity to speak to this. Mr. Chairman, I listened intently to the standing committee’s comments and recommendations.
I have spoken to the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College and to the cabinet about the value of education to Nunavummiut and the importance of it to our government and all Nunavummiut, in particular, the vital infrastructure of community learning centres that should be in all communities.
I know we have one in my community of Cambridge Bay and it provides a very valuable service to our residents and to my constituents.
Mr. Chairman, as well all know, we have heard over the years and in particular, even this morning when Mr. Elliott was grilling me on education and learning for government employees, learning and education is valuable. It’s something that a person takes with them throughout their life and it opens up many opportunities for employment and self-improvement.
I know there are many employment opportunities in the Government of Nunavut. There are many opportunities on the horizon working in the mines. I know there are employment opportunities, but there are also career opportunities where Nunavummiut could really participate if they have a sound, solid education and skill sets.
As former mayor of Cambridge Bay, I know that my hamlet and all hamlets would benefit with people who have good education.
I’m also familiar with the opportunities in the private sector having participated in the Kitikmeot Corporation in the Kitikmeot and setting up many private sector companies that had to compete with other businesses in the north and down south.
I know that poverty is a key issue. I was very heartened by your comments and the Chairman’s comments in standing committee that poverty is an issue we have to address and the recognition that education will be one of the key components of addressing the poverty and social issues that confront us daily in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, I would just like to end by saying that I have been to many Nunavut Arctic College graduations over the years in Cambridge Bay and there are a lot of happy grads every year. Their families are very proud when they graduate. It’s an important event in our community and I’m sure it’s like that right across Nunavut.
I can see the significance and importance of having a community learning centre in the community of Whale Cove.
I urge all of the members to support this motion when we put it to a vote.
I completely support this initiative as we must provide all Nunavummiut every opportunity to advance their education.
I encourage and ask my colleagues to support this motion, as we must support all of the aspirations of our fellow Nunavummiut. It allows them to become self-sufficient.
Based on these reasons, I will be supporting this motion in its entirety.
We wanted our people at home and the people coming from the south to work all to be able to speak Inuktitut in the system.
We wanted to have signs in public buildings that say something in Inuktitut where Inuit people can read.
We wanted Inuktitut to be a working language in the system by a certain timeframe.
Mr. Chairman, here is a big opportunity to allow those people who have been up here, long-time northerners, to start learning how, academically, to speak Inuktitut, write in Inuktitut, and extra funding for Arctic College is a big opportunity.
Mr. Chairman, there is a saying that if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach that man how to catch fish, you feed him for a lifetime.
Here is a big opportunity and I will be supporting the motion.
I thank the hon. minister for making that motion.
I do not have any more… .
I will be in support of the motion. I went to school with a lot of other people from Baker Lake and Rankin Inlet and a lot of them did not graduate from high school for some reason or other.
A lot of those people I went to school with went back to Arctic College to get their diplomas and to get their GEDs.
That was very good news. For that reason, I will be supporting this motion.
I urge all of my colleagues to support the motion as it will have an effect on the operations of the smaller communities, including Whale Cove, one of the smaller communities.
I believe they will be pleased with this proposal and since it is in my riding, I imagine that they will enjoy this type of good news.
I will be in support of the motion and I urge my colleagues to support this motion also.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Kusugak.
I, too, will be supporting the hon. minister in making that motion.
Education is a good tool for a better future and better jobs.
It helps Nunavummiut to get better jobs either with government or the public sector and a good career.
We could start working on getting a university.
I have Mr. Shewchuk.
Just as the minister of Arctic College, I want to thank my colleague for the motion.
I, too, believe that advancing the planning of these projects shows the commitment of the government as to how important adult learning education is in Nunavut.
I don’t have any more… .
(interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Peterson, if you would like to speak to your motion before we go on to vote.
I thank my colleagues for their good comments.
They were all very good comments. I believe the people of Nunavut and the people of Whale Cove would be very happy today if we all vote in support of this motion.
All those abstaining.
Committee Motion 004 – 3(2): Addition of $100,000 to the 2010-2011 Capital Estimates of Nunavut Arctic College (Peterson)
I move that the 2010-11 Capital Estimates of Nunavut Arctic College, as funded through the appropriation of the Department of Finance, be increased by $100,000 and that the revised 2010-11 capital estimates reflect the moving forward of the Community Learning Centre Project for Iqaluit from the 2012-13 fiscal year to the 2010-11 fiscal year.
Being a politician, I have to say something when given an opportunity.
Mr. Chairman, I won’t repeat all of the good comments that we all made on the last motion, but I will say that the addition of a community learning centre in the city of Iqaluit would be a great thing.
In my observations as visitor to Iqaluit coming from Cambridge Bay, I note that a lot of people from the Baffin or other communities come to Iqaluit seeking jobs and opportunities that are here because it’s the capital of Nunavut.
There are not many opportunities. I remember that in the Second Assembly, we used to debate the opportunities that were available in the government, and there are many vacancies in the government.
So I think that by adding this vital piece of education infrastructure to Iqaluit, it will help people who do come here to attend that facility and learn some skills that will help them when they apply for jobs in the Government of Nunavut, the land claims organizations, and the private sector. If they go back to the communities, of course, they will take those skills with them and that education.
I again call on my colleagues to support my motion and make the people of the city of Iqaluit very happy today.
To the motion. Mr. Okalik.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) It’s a very happy day for me for a change.
I am the product of this community learning centre, when Iqaluit used to have a community learning centre. I wouldn’t have gotten myself a university education without such a facility.
So I’m very proud to be able to support this motion today and I see a lot of my constituents who ask me for the assistance. This is something that we can all be very proud of and I’m sure that this money will return a lot of dividends for a lot of Nunavummiut because there are a lot of opportunities here for our constituents.
What they lack in education they don’t lack in spirit.
I want to make sure that every one of us also continues to support this project.
I look forward to seeing next year’s line item and making sure that this construction starts as soon as we can. I’m very pleased to be supporting this motion. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I just remembered that today is Friday. I wanted to ask the Hon. Minister of Justice and the mover of the motion if this money, and we just approved one for Whale Cove, is this money coming from the… ?
Chairman: Mr. Ningark, I would just advise (interpretation) that you cannot ask questions in regard to the motion.
Mr. Ningark: I tried.
Thank you. I, too, support this motion.
Boy, how I tried.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningark. (interpretation ends) Are there any more comments to the motion?
I would just like to close comments by observing that this is an excellent example of how consensus government works. The standing committee meets with the minister’s officials and we hear their concerns and recommendations, and it gets to this level.
We, MLAs and ministers on both sides, recognize the importance of projects to Nunavut.
To answer my colleague from the Kitikmeot, Mr. Ningark, I guess to help him sleep tonight, rest assured that the funding is available to take care of these once it’s voted on and appropriated in the House.
The debate is closed.
Thank you. All those opposed. All those abstaining.
Mr. Peterson, do you have any more motions?
Now we will proceed to the Nunavut Arctic College Headquarters.
Total Expenditures, as revised. $1,250,000. Agreed?
Chairman: We will go to K-2.
Detail of Expenditures. Revised Total Capital Expenditures. $1,250,000.
Chairman: Do members agree with the total plans as amended by two committee motions?
Chairman: Do members agree that we have concluded with Nunavut Arctic College?
Chairman: I would like to ask Minister Shewchuk if you wish to make closing comments.
I think that we have done something very special here today in providing adult learning opportunities to these two communities on a more advanced schedule.
I would like to thank everybody. I would like to thank my witness and I would like to, at this time, recognize the Chairman of the Nunavut Arctic College Board over here, Uriash Puqiqnak of Gjoa Haven, and thank him for being here.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. (interpretation) Welcome.
We can move on to the review of a department.
I would like to ask Minister Curley, Minister of Health and Social Services, if he has any opening comments.
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Yes, I am prepared to do my opening comments.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to take this opportunity today to present the 2010-11 Capital Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Each year, there are limited funds available to meet the wide range of capital projects submitted by all GN departments for consideration. This year’s capital budget is very limited.
While the Department of Health and Social Services remains committed to replacing health centres in Repulse Bay, Taloyoak, Arctic Bay, and Cape Dorset, given other competing priorities of the Government of Nunavut, unfortunately, we are unable to begin construction on these projects in the next fiscal year.
However, they are in the current five-year capital plan.
The Department of Health and Social Services is requesting a modest capital budget for 2010-11 of $1.05 million.
This budget is broken down into furniture, fixtures and equipment, and small and minor capital projects.
In 2009-2010, the department’s capital budget provided the funds to renovate the old section of the Qikiqtani General Hospital (QGH) to accommodate some programs and services that were unable to be included in the new QGH building due to cost and space considerations.
These programs and services include pharmacy, medical support services, cafeteria, administration, housekeeping, and offices for physicians and medical specialists.
For 2010-11, we are requesting $50,000 to provide additional furniture and equipment to adequately furnish the soon to be renovated space.
As a department, we ensure that medical equipment, mobile equipment, and furniture meet minimal standards, reducing the risk for patients and staff and to keep up with changes in program delivery and increases in demand for services.
In order to meet these standards, we are requesting $500,000 for minor projects to be used to replace medical and dental equipment and vehicles. While an exact amount is difficult to calculate, it is anticipated that some funds would be saved by replacing equipment and vehicles that have a history of frequent and high repair costs.
Health and Social Services buildings are aging and capital funds are required to keep them in good repair and to meet current operational requirements.
In many cases, the buildings have original heating systems, emergency power generators, roofs, and windows.
In order to properly maintain and provide minor repairs to our facilities, we are requesting $500,000 for small capital.
These funds would be used for repairs, such as boiler replacement, ventilation system improvements, and the replacement of obsolete communications technology.
Providing the necessary repairs and renovations to buildings in a timely fashion can help ensure minimal disruption in service to communities when equipment repairs are required.
Our health infrastructure is aging. In fact, 60 percent of our health centres are 20 years old or older.
Until we are in a fiscal situation that enables us to move forward with replacing some of this infrastructure, we must ensure that funds are allocated for upkeep, repairs, and renovations to keep our buildings in good condition.
In the meantime, we can celebrate the successes from the recent years’ capital plans, including the Gjoa Haven Continuing Care Centre, which opened on November 4, the Igloolik Continuing Care Centre, which will open later in the fall, and the Pangnirtung Health Centre, which should open its doors in the winter.
We need to put in telephones and other equipment, but they will open in the New Year.
This request for $1.05 million is to ensure the maintenance of quality health care facilities for all Nunavutmiut.
(interpretation ends) Do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Yes, my officials can come to the witness table with me.
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials to the witness table.
Just for your information, we’re on page F-3. (interpretation ends) For the record, Minister Curley, please introduce your witnesses.
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To my right is (interpretation ends) the Deputy Minister, Alex Campbell, (interpretation) and to my left is Rosemary Brown, Director of Capital Planning for the department.
Welcome. (interpretation ends) Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness have comments?
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2010-11 Capital Estimates of the Department of Health and Social Services.
Members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2010-11 is just over $1 million.
This is the smallest capital budget ever brought forward by Nunavut’s Department of Health and Social Services.
In prior years, the department’s capital budgets have focused on a number of major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the three new regional health facilities, two new 24-hour continuing care facilities, and new health centres in a number of Nunavut’s communities.
These projects have represented a considerable investment by the Government of Nunavut over the past decade.
The department’s proposed capital budget for 2010-11 includes funding in the amount of $50,000 for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment as a final capital investment in the Qikiqtani General Hospital project.
Committee members have noted that further renovations to the Baffin Regional Hospital, which is now an extension of the Qikiqtani General Hospital complex, are planned for future years.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee has noted an ongoing and concerning trend in the presentation of the department’s five-year capital planning information.
The long-term vision for the department’s capital plan appears to undergo significant changes every year.
For example, the Government of Nunavut’s Budget Speech of February 2008 indicated that health centre replacement projects for the communities of Repulse Bay, Taloyoak, and Arctic Bay were priorities.
However, not one of these projects is scheduled to receive further funding in 2010-11 and the five-year capital plan indicates that work is not projected to continue on any these projects until 2011-12 at the earliest.
A fourth health centre replacement project for the community of Cape Dorset has also been identified for future capital planning.
Members strongly encourage the government to focus on bringing the health centre replacement projects forward and to provide clear update information directly to the communities and members on a regular basis.
The standing committee recognizes that the department is attempting to undertake certain cost-saving measures, such as using the same health centre design for multiple projects. However, members are also of the view that constant changes in the overall capital planning direction for the department increase the risk of costly errors and delays.
For example, the opening of the new Pangnirtung Health Centre has been frequently delayed, even though construction was completed some time ago, and costs continue to rise as a result.
Members caution the minister and his department not to rely on carryovers and supplementary appropriations to achieve goals that should be achievable within the capital planning process if it were consistently followed.
Members encourage the minister in his efforts to work with his federal counterpart and other potential partners to identify any possible additional infrastructure funding that could support and accelerate his department’s capital plans.
Mr. Chairman, as in prior years’ budgets, and similar to the practice of other departments, the 2010-11 Capital Estimates for the Department of Health and Social Services include two blocks of non-specific funding.
One of these blocks of funding is for small capital projects such as repairs to buildings and emergency situations.
The other is for minor projects including the purchase of new equipment and vehicles.
Adequate transportation for medical clients continues to be an issue in many communities. It is also important that medical equipment be regularly replaced and upgraded in order that medical clients are not required to undertake expensive travel outside of their community for tests and procedures that could have been done at home or within their region.
Members also recognize the importance of ongoing repair, replacement and renovations of facilities in order to maintain uninterrupted operations and health service delivery to Nunavummiut.
While recognizing that it is not possible to predict every emergency repair or equipment replacement need, the standing committee encourages the department to provide details of small or minor projects that have been identified and prioritized for the upcoming fiscal year.
The standing committee further recommends that the department provide, on an annual basis, a listing of minor and small capital projects on which such funds were spent in the previous fiscal year.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2010-11 Capital Estimates of the Department of Health and Social Services.
Chairman: Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Before we proceed, I would like to remind members of Rule 77(1) and Rule 77(2). Keep that in mind.
Before we go to the page-by-page review, do members have any general comments?
In the opening comments by the minister, I know that’s an error because he said he was requesting for a dollar and five cents. I know the million was forgotten in there.
Going back to the health centres, there are three being built in the next two or three years and Cape Dorset is listed in there, but unfortunately there are not any planning dollars until the year 2014-15.
As we all know, the Cape Dorset Health Centre is the oldest of the four that are being replaced in the system.
Community and Government Services had just done a conditional rating on the health centre in Cape Dorset.
I read through it and it’s not very good.
They’ve had major fuel leaks in the crawl space. If you open it, you would just about die of suffocation from the fuel that has leaked in the bottom, there is no ventilation system in the health centre, period, and the entire exterior, the siding, the windows and stuff was supposed to be replaced.
There are a lot of dollars if you were going to renovate, which wouldn’t make much sense at this point.
So I’m just asking the minister if he could seriously look at it.
I realize there are no dollars this year, but if he could seriously look at trying to prioritize Cape Dorset and move it ahead a bit from the 2014-15 start-up date on the design.
That is all I’m requesting.
I thought we were under regular comments and whatnot, but if you want me to respond to that, Mr. Chairman, I just want to indicate that, unlike my previous colleague who was sitting here, I have no motions today to entertain.
I think the member from Cape Dorset and Baffin South alluded to the report. I thought it was really quite a good report because it assessed the condition of the Cape Dorset [Health Centre] quite well. From that perspective, I think it was good.
Now, it may have concluded that what it was assessing may not have been the best as it should have been, but I think it brought the whole picture of the Cape Dorset facility to a situation where we may have to address whether to prioritize it with other projects.
You may have to squeeze your elbow to your right there and see whether or not he would be willing to trade or debate any of the... .
No, I’m not suggesting that, but I think that the report did indicate that there are serious issues that we have to look at with Cape Dorset.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Curley. Mr. Schell.
I, too, like my colleague, Mr. Schell, appreciate having Repulse Bay still in the plans. Repulse Bay, Taloyoak, Arctic Bay, and Cape Dorset, I believe that funding will be made available in that order.
So Repulse Bay is first on the order here.
That’s the way I looked at it.
Mr. Chairman, like my colleague from Cape Dorset, on the second page, the minister talks about $1.05 million. That was the original money set aside for the things that we want to do up here. In his final statement, he acknowledges $1.05.
You know how things change in time. Just like my colleagues.
I just want to state my appreciation that the Repulse Bay Health Centre is still in the works.
It is, no doubt, a multi-year project. I would also like to know when the planning stage will begin. Is it in 2011?
I understand exactly where you’re coming from, and I thank you for making those comments.
For Repulse Bay, I can tell the member that it is a priority for construction, but it would be any one of those communities.
I would give my support for the Committee of the Whole. For example, since we were elected, the Minister Leona Aglukkaq and since Keith Peterson was the minister, then I, not too long ago, there have only been three ministers.
What I’m trying to say is that we are at the beginning stages. I just took on these responsibilities in January.