EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I think they want to try to get a candidate from every community in Nunavut and I can’t be clear on the deadline or start date.
I think in June, he will take people in and give them a course, then a graduation, and then they would shadow the RCMP officers in the communities for the summer.
Question 074 – 3(1): Patient-Signed Consent Form (Elliott)
My question is directed again to the Minister of Health and Social Services.
In my last question, I asked: will the minister confirm that he will accept a signed consent form? And I never heard an answer.
I heard him saying about privacy and confidentiality, and I respect that. I know if I was lead to having people think that confidentiality is being breached and whatnot, that’s not my point. My point is that we will be given confidential information and we will be passing it on, and some of the answers we end up receiving are, “We cannot tell you because of that.”
But if the patient or the person, the constituent who is coming to us and telling us or if they’re giving us consent, will the department release that information?
So again, will the minister confirm that he will accept a signed consent form from a constituent to allow an MLA to deal directly with the Department of Health and Social Services about a complaint?
I cannot confirm anything without actually seeing what type of consent form is being presented by the member or constituent.
I said earlier, we deal with issues on actual research on a case-by-case basis.
So I think we have a health system in place that is equal to any jurisdiction in Canada and if any complaint is presented, we will honour the complaint, but whether or not we should compel the individual to sign a consent form, that is really, particularly from my point, something that I cannot confirm, that I would accept that without actually seeing a draft form or something of that kind.
I guess my next question would be if the minister is concerned about different forms and having 10 different forms or 19 different forms from each MLA.
Would the Government of Nunavut, since they are the ones, be willing to come up with and create a consent form?
I offered to consult with the regular MLAs on a number of issues the other day and I still have not had a response from them. With respect to the travel policy groups or travel groups, I was willing to meet with them and to provide a further question-and-answer session with them.
I’m still waiting for the other side to confirm that or not.
With respect to all of these kinds of possible consent forms and that, Mr. Speaker, we’re willing to look at ideas, but I cannot make a commitment here without possibly compromising some of the privacy issues that we are regulated by and abiding by, not only our own confidentiality issues with respect to medical health issues, as well as the federal government’s issues.
So in that particular part, Mr. Speaker, I am cautious on whether or not I should confirm that.
Member for Baffin South, … Oh, you’re not finished?
Member for Baffin South, Mr. Schell.
Question 075 – 3(1): Housing Drawings Not Code Compliant (Schell)
My question is for the Hon. Minister of Housing, Hunter Tootoo.
Back in 2007-08, the five-plexes that were built for the Housing Trust, apparently after the units were completed and inspected by an electrical inspector from the western Arctic, they found deficiencies in the drawings that the Housing Corporation had put out and some of the things weren’t up to code.
My question is: how did this happen?
I thank the member for raising that question, although I was expecting to hear that question in Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that after hearing this concern, I checked with my officials with the Housing Corporation and it seems to have been a timing issue from when the initial designs were designed to when they were actually set to be delivered in one year, and they were signed off by an architect that year.
From the time they were signed off, the stuff was supposed to be ordered and delivered to the locations. That didn’t happen, so they just waited.
They got sent up the next year and in that time period between those two years when they were actually signed off by the engineer or the architect and when they were actually delivered, there was a small change to the electrical code that wasn’t reincorporated into the design.
But once it was pointed out to the corporation, all steps necessary were taken to make sure that all of the changes that needed to be done, my understanding is it was like one wire that ran down from one place to another in the unit that had to be changed, and that work was done so that we ensured that all the units that are out there do meet the current code as of now.
Because of this error at the time, there was quite a bit of additional costs as they had to cut the drywall all the way around the whole inside of the units.
I guess my question is: for the present units that are going out, have they made sure that they are up to the present code?
It’s my understanding that whenever our designs are put out there, they have to get signed off and looked at by an architect and that’s where the material takeoff list for new units is generated from.
My understanding is that they would be looked at, at that time or that current year, to make sure that any code change requirements are met.
If something was missed like that, again, there’s still the electrical contractor that is putting in the work or doing the work in the units who are also aware of any code changes.
So if they notice something that was missed, that’s usually the second step where that could be identified and addressed at that point.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) Member for Iqaluit West, Mr. Okalik.
Question 076 – 3(1): Plans for Lottery Booths in Nunavut (Okalik)
Today, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Sports Nunavut and it’s with respect to the lottery booths here in Iqaluit. There is only one office and I believe one more, but this is a rare service and I forget which community also has one.
This is regarding the gaming regulations because we have only the one lottery booth that is open and the hours of operation are inadequate, especially when the lottery prizes reach into the multiple millions where people are clamouring to buy tickets.
I believe that we ought to have another lottery booth and further, if this service could be offered to our fellow Nunavummiut as many of them are envious of the booth here. My question is whether or not the issue of creating another booth or options to deal with this has been discussed.
Yes, that is quite truthful that we only have the one lottery booth in Nunavut. Previously, there was a lottery booth in Rankin Inlet but it was closed down.
Here in Iqaluit, with respect to the hours of operation for the lottery booth, it’s something I have no inkling of as this is managed entirely by Sports Nunavut.
I can take his question as notice and I would have to undertake a review of the matter and see what regulations apply.
There are regulations we have to comply with under the Lottery Act.
I will take his question as notice and see what options there are to increase the hours as per his question and review exactly how the system works.
I currently don’t have the appropriate information on hand, Mr. Speaker, so I would like to take the question as notice.
While you are looking into that, perhaps you can look at why we only have the one terminal, which becomes extremely busy with numerous clients wanting to buy lottery tickets.
I would like the minister to also look at not just adding another terminal here but also to try and address the rest of Nunavummiut who want the opportunity to participate and have no options.
I am also asking if the minister could look into this as well.
The minister stated that (interpretation ends) he will take the question as notice, so we will move on to a member. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 077 – 3(1): Inadequate Number of Housing Lots in Kugaaruk (Ningark)
During Members’ Statements, I referred to the current shortage of lots in Kugaaruk and this is not the first time that has occurred.
Hon. Minister Kusugak, whom I believe is responsible for Community and Government Services, I would like to ask if he has already been informed by the Hamlet of Kugaaruk with respect to the increasing unavailability of lots in Kugaaruk.
Minister of Community and Government Services, (interpretation ends) Hon. Lorne Kusugak.
With respect to available lots, we are experiencing shortages in almost all of the communities.
Communities continue to have too few lots available, but yes, we are aware of this issue and of the fact that Kugaaruk is experiencing this.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): I thank the minister for his response and I understand exactly what he means.
Although many communities are asking for more housing construction, the problem remains the shortage of lots.
Perhaps with the onset of spring and longer days, when the mayors are attending to their regional meetings, would the minister be able to provide answers when he is invited to attend?
Can this information item be included in his annual report to the mayors?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Firstly, I thank the member for raising that question.
Yes, NAM will be holding their annual meeting for the mayors in Nunavut.
We have started preparing our report and if this question is raised at that forum, it will become an issue that we will have to deal with at that time.
Question 078 – 3(1): Transportation for Elders (Pauloosie)
Yesterday, I originally asked this question to Minister Tapardjuk, but I believe that I ought to redirect it to the Department of Health and Social Services.
I wish to ask the minister, Mr. Curley, with respect to the original question that I raised. I alluded to a community phone line that elders could call for rides.
The problem is that there are never any drivers, especially in the smaller communities like Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak. They both have a specified vehicle for the elders, but due to the dearth of qualified drivers, elders are not being provided this valuable service, being driven to any location they wish.
Whether the destination is the health centre or they simply wish to visit another elder, elders simply want a ride. This results in elders going on the local radio requesting a ride from anyone.
Can the minister provide an answer or some solutions to this issue, such as funding for drivers and possibly have the hamlet council manage the project?
I would like to get a response from the minister.
I would like to get more information on this and I think it would be best if you write a letter on this issue.
I’m not exactly sure how to answer it because I don’t know whether you want to transport these elders for health reasons or for going shopping when they can’t get a ride.
We would need to clarify the need.
For example, in Rankin Inlet, we have friendship centre staff that drive clients to their destinations and Health and Social Services does not deal with that.
As a department, our mandate, for example, on ambulances… there are no ambulances in the smaller communities and our ambulance policy is still in the works. We would need to access the federal government’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program if we are going to proceed with that policy.
Because of that and because of the complexity, Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that the member write to me so that I can have all the facts and information in front of me.
I am talking about elders who need to go to the health centre or back to their homes from the health centre.
The problem is, especially in the winter, when elders have to go to the airport terminal, they don’t have anyone to take them back to their homes or there is no taxi to take them anywhere.
I would like to tell the minister that I will write him a letter asking him to look into this matter.
That was more of a comment than a question and I’m sure the minister heard it.
Oral Questions. (interpretation ends) Member for Iqaluit West, Mr. Okalik.
Question 079 – 3(1): Child Welfare Laws (Okalik)
I thank the minister for recognizing the social workers in his Minister’s Statement.
In some parts, however, one of the hardest things that the social workers do is in regard to children.
We haven’t amended the child welfare legislation and I believe that we need to ensure it’s made Nunavut-specific and better conform to Inuit needs. It’s something that causes problems and the focus of a widespread call for change.
My question to the minister is if he is working on amendments to the legislation.
Yes, I can commit to that because it is a part of our responsibility.
At the retreat in Cape Dorset, this issue was brought up in our priorities for the future.
The Family Services Act will be added and revised.
Once it is drafted, we will give it to the Cabinet for decision.
We don’t know if the child advocate will be in there but we are talking about it.
We will make a decision at the Cabinet level when we are dealing with the Family Services Act and whether the advocacy position will be there, but I can tell the member that this is an important priority.
I’m sorry, but we had a lot of work to do in the previous government, such as dealing with language, social wellness, and education, and we couldn’t implement all the bills that we wanted to implement.
I would like to thank the Cabinet for looking at revising the Children’s Law Act.
I would like to inform the minister that I would be more than willing to help.
Member, I’m sure your comment was heard by the minister. (interpretation ends) Oral Questions.
Question 080 – 3(1): Protection of Waters from Pollution (Elliott)
Mr. Speaker, one of the anticipated consequences of global warming is the opening of the Northwest Passage and increased shipping in the Arctic. The threat of a major catastrophe such as an oil spill is something that I believe we need to be prepared to deal with.
Can the minister indicate to the House today how the Government of Nunavut works with Environment Canada and DFO on the issue of developing contingency plans to respond to oil spills or other environmental disasters?
Thank you, hon. member, for a very good question.
He brings out a very good point as to how Nunavut and our department would deal with a major oil spill if it occurred in the seawaters of the Arctic.
I would just like to advise the member that our Department of Environment is not responsible for enforcing pollution prevention and pollution control legislation as it relates to foreign-going vessels that travel through our waters.
This responsibility is the responsibility of the Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, and DFO.
The DOE’s, that’s the environment department, role is as an advisory and has a representative on the Transport Canada sponsored Arctic Regional Advisory Council on Oil Spill Response, so we do have a member that is on this committee.
I should also advise the member that we do have capabilities for smaller oil spills that would or do occur in Nunavut through our hamlets, through our wildlife offices and our Department of Environment offices that we can respond to on an initial basis and try and do what we can. We will always be the first responders when it comes to an oil spill.
And I would just like to advise the member too that every community wildlife office and hamlet has a toll-free number for oil spill reporting.
It is my understanding that there are agreements in place between the federal and territorial governments with respect to oil spills, and the minister explained some of them.
Can the minister indicate how often these are reviewed and updated and is the GN satisfied that both levels of government are fully prepared to deal with a major environmental disaster in our waters?
Yes, I would like to advise the member and my colleagues that, again, we do have a representative on the Arctic Regional Advisory Council on Oil Spill Response.
This group meets two or three times annually and their recommendations go directly to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Transport Canada. So we do have a membership on that board.
I also think at this time, this is going to be a big topic of discussion when we proceed with devolution negotiations.
Question 081 – 3(1): Community Outreach Worker Program (Ningark)
My first question is to my Kitikmeot colleague, the Minister of Justice, Mr. Peterson.
The Community Outreach Worker Program is relatively new in Nunavut and I know in Kugaaruk, our person is quite busy. She is working with the local social worker and sometimes the mental health worker, and in almost every case, she is working with the RCMP.
Mr. Speaker, since this is a very important position in the community, I can never overstate that, it is quite important, Mr. Speaker, she also works with her family in the community, I’m wondering if the minister would commit to providing a training program regionally or territorial-wide for the community outreach workers.
I thank my Kitikmeot colleague for bringing up this important concern.
When I was in Cape Dorset for the Cabinet Retreat, I had an opportunity to meet with the community outreach worker there and when I came back to Iqaluit, I brought up some similar concerns from that outreach worker with my officials in the department.
They are looking at ways that they can increase support for community outreach workers, including additional training.
The outreach worker in Kugaaruk is very close to me and she sometimes tries to get help from either regional or territorial offices, and sometimes the phone line is busy or is having a technical problem.
I think that being an outreach worker is very lonely, so I would appreciate if the minister would somehow provide training.
I again thank my Kitikmeot colleague. It is duly noted, my officials are probably watching the television set right now and making a note that you have a concern from your riding and we will look at how we could help your constituents.
Question 082 – 3(1): Historical Graduating Rates (Elliott)
My question is directed to the Hon. Louis Tapardjuk, Minister of Education.
It’s amazing news with the number of graduates we have, 214.
In the past, I know that there have been problems across Nunavut with the high drop-out rate.
I’m just wondering if he has any numbers on whether that’s improved or not.
I am sure you can take note that since Nunavut was created, the first high school graduates were 91 and after ten years, we produced 214 grade 12 graduates, that’s an increase of almost 135 percent.
It’s very good to see the achievements of these students.
It seems like our figure here, 214 graduates, seems low compared to other provinces, but it’s approximately increased by 30 percent within the last four years. The high school drop-out rate has dropped and it’s evident.
There are more and more high school students graduating every year.
Individuals at the age of 19 and over are now completing their education and we’re so proud of them, Mr. Speaker.
(interpretation ends) Oral Questions. (interpretation) If there are no more, Written Questions.
Item 8. (interpretation ends) Returns to Written Questions.
Tabled Document 021 – 3(1): Coral Harbour Meat Processing Plant Feasibility Study (Ningeongan)
I wish to table a copy of our recent feasibility study for a meat processing plant in Coral Harbour.
This report was prepared for the Coral Harbour Hunters and Trappers Organization and I encourage all members to review it with care.
Can we have the document brought forward, please.
Tabled Document 022 – 3(1): Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory – Igloolik Pilot Project (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the following document: the Nunavut Coastal Resource Inventory – Igloolik Pilot Project.
Motion 019 – 3(1): Opposition to the European Union’s Proposed Ban on Seal Products (Shewchuk)
WHEREAS the European Union is once again considering legislation to restrict the importation of seal products from Canada, …
… an initiative that is based not on legitimate principles of conservation but on a misguided and ill-informed ideology;
AND WHEREAS the hunt does not harm seal populations and the species is not threatened by extinction;
AND WHEREAS the humane and sustainable use of seals and seal products is a practice that is nutritionally, culturally and economically important to Nunavummiut;
AND WHEREAS banning the sale of seal products can be expected to negatively impact Nunavut and Nunavummiut;
AND WHEREAS history has demonstrated that any exemption made for Inuit is irrelevant;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the hon. member from Nanulik, that the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut opposes the European Union’s proposed ban on the importation of seal products.
Before we proceed with debate on the motion before us, I have a few comments to make as to procedures.
The mover of the motion speaks first and the seconder speaks second.
I would like to thank my hon. colleague from Nanulik for seconding the motion.
Mr. Speaker, the European Union is proposing to ban seal products. This ban provides exemptions for traditional Inuit harvesting but will not protect our communities.
This exemption is meaningless. A similar ban in the early 1980s resulted in significant negative impacts on Inuit communities. We have no reason to think the current ban and its exemption will prove to be any different.
Mr. Speaker, seals are an integral part of Nunavutmiut’s lives. Our seal hunt is respectful, humane, sustainable, and is based on whole-use and sound conservation principles. It does not harm seal populations and the species is not threatened by extinction.
Given the importance of our seal hunt, I am urging the Members of the House to support this motion to oppose the European Union’s proposed ban. It is essential that we come together to denounce the ban and its ineffective exemption for Inuit.
The seconder can now speak to the motion.
The motion clearly explains the concerns of Nunavutmiut.
For that reason, I am very pleased and honoured to be the seconder of this motion to show our support of all Nunavutmiut and the negative impact that Nunavutmiut will feel.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) To the motion.
I rise in support of the motion and also speak in Inuktitut.
We have been witnessing a trend where a higher value is placed on animals than on human life.
I can state unequivocally that a great many seals have saved a great many Europeans.
During the Arctic exploration age, European explorers ran out of food and the only source available was seals.
Looking at the explorers’ reports, the explorers used to get tired of waiting to eat cooked seal meat and they used to make reports on how nutritious seal blood is.
It provides energy to your body when you eat seals and it’s a healthy, nutritious food.
If you don’t want to be cold outside, you have to eat seal meat and that’s one of the things that we were taught in the past.
They want to ban the sealskin not because of lack of food, it’s because the seal pups are cute, (interpretation ends) they’re cute and that’s why, (interpretation) and the European Union is being manipulated by animal rights groups.
If European parliamentarians are campaigning for the ministerial level, they need the support of animal rights groups’ voters. That’s the only reason why we’re in this dangerous situation.
Mr. Speaker, the major reason why I’m supporting the motion is that we have to be careful and cautious, just like with polar bears. The polar bears are not decreasing in numbers, they’re increasing in numbers.
As long as there are seals available, the polar bears will not be depleted.
So therefore, I am in support of this motion.
I also urge the public out there to state that the population of seals is not decreasing.
Changes in the ice cap and icebergs do not contribute to the depletion of polar bears.
Polar bears eat seals, walruses, whales, and only when the marine mammals are depleted will the polar bears be threatened.
I ask members to support the motion and I would like to request for a recorded vote.
I am pleased to have the opportunity today to support this motion.