EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
For the minister to challenge his own policy that says that we’re going to be transparent, it means we’re going to be honest with the public and we’re going to be open with the public, now he wants us to vote for the $15 million for two items, but he cannot tell us where they’re going to be allocated and how much they’re actually going to cost. We’re going back; we’re not moving forward.
I can understand the minister saying to the committee, “Trust me. We will get it done.”
The minister has at least ten months to begin the construction of these units. He’s not running out of time.
So how can the minister assure us and help us that the details of the budget will be presented to the committee so that we understand fully where they are being allocated and when can he present those requirements so that the public is transparently aware of the details the minister had said he would do when this term of the office began?
Of course, one of the things that come to light is that it has been very difficult to identify the locations that we are hoping to build, construct in, both for staff housing and public units.
Again, I’m not questioning committee’s recommendations that were made to me, to find the best possible value for the amount of budgeting we’re getting for building staff housing and public units. I had intended to do that, to find alternative ways, and this is the first time this is being done, to maximize the best use of public funds.
We’re looking at other ways. I indicated that we’re looking at foreclosures that are out there, which nobody had purchased and there’s no intention from anybody to purchase these units. We want to take a good, hard look at them and also other existing units that are out there that have been built and not used.
We are looking at these. In fact, there may be something out there where we can actually purchase units for a small amount of money.
I’m not going to say exactly how much, but that’s our intention to maximize the budget that we are allotted for the housing corporation.
One of the comments made earlier before about a missing five-plex, there’s no such thing as a missing five-plex.
Working with our regional districts of the three other regions, it has been a challenge to coordinate and do so many things, especially when it comes to supply and construction, and we intend to do that.
I know that this may be one of the first times it has been happening with the housing corporation, to find alternative ways to maximize the value of the taxpayers’ money.
Mr. Curley: Thank you. The minister indicated earlier that there are roughly 900 units needed for staff housing. Where did that information come from?
How was it conducted? Is it possible to have that information tabled in the House?
I’ll have Mr. Barriault respond to that question in detail. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Barriault: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That information is on the 907 units that are short and that would be units required to meet vacant GN staff housing positions.
So the Nunavut Housing Corporation works very closely with the GN Department of Human Resources to identify what all the staff housing needs are within all of Nunavut’s communities.
GNHR tracks vacancies and competitions that are active and works closely with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to identify which ones are getting close to completion so that we can properly allocate and make use of the vacant staff housing that we do have.
As well, we work with GN Human Resources to identify where the main pressures and priorities are of all the government departments. Staff housing is primarily a recruitment and retention tool of the Government of Nunavut.
As such, although we are the primary property managing agent for the Government of Nunavut, we want to ensure that the needs are confirmed through Human Resources, which is the primary recruiting agent of Nunavut.
All government departments provide information to them, to HR, that is, in terms of what their needs are and in terms of their vacancies. That is tracked through GNHR.
We prepare these reports in terms of shortages and pressures on staff housing in consultation with Human Resources.
There are four allocation committees, one within each region and one for Iqaluit as well, that are represented by a number of government departments, including HR, and that is where we derive our information.
So the 907 units that would be required to fill all vacant GN positions are a combination of the data that the housing corporation maintains for staff housing and the data that’s maintained by Human Resources.
Part of our intention within these budgets, as Minister Taptuna stated, is to maximize our use of funding and we are aware that there are opportunities to acquire units at a much lower cost than if we were constructing them ourselves.
We have an expression of interest that should actually be in the newspapers as early as Wednesday of this week to try to identify properties available for purchase and for lease in all Nunavut communities.
Based on that information, it gives us an opportunity to try to maximize the limited dollars that are available within the GN budget.
Fascinating, interesting information.
Assuming that I understand it correctly, these 900 extra units that the minister and his team have gathered from the various departments, and so on, and probably some of them are within the public service vacancy positions, are we assuming that all of these 900 staff positions are going to be imported?
We don’t expect that, and no, not all positions are going to be imported.
Further to that, Mr. Chairman, how will we determine that the staff housing is needed? Not having that information begs the question for me.
If the individuals that will be considered are locally based and they do have a staff housing unit, how do we know that they’re actually going to require staff housing units?
Again, these determinations are in conjunction and working with the HR department to determine which positions come with staff housing.
As the president has indicated, the need for 907 units is based on the current information that we have with HR and the positions that are out there.
Mr. Chairman, even with some of these positions, it doesn’t necessarily mean that locals who are getting these positions will have to stay in public units if staff housing is available for some of these positions that are advertised out there.
We’re on page J-3. Capital.
Mr. Curley: Yes, Mr. Chairman, my next question has to do with… .
I understand the housing corporation and the minister have already indicated that they will use the mode of supply, ship, and build.
That means the cost factor that will be established, depending on where they are tendered, if they are allocated by then, will differ from southern parts of the Nunavut territory and those in the High Arctic portion or the Kitikmeot region will cost significantly higher than some.
How do we know the exact amount of housing requirement?
We don’t know how many you’re going to be asking for in the final figure, even for the public staff housing.
How will it be determined that the amount that you’re proposing to us is sufficient in view of the fact that the cost ratio will be significantly different from region to region and north to south?
Very good question and I thank the committee member for that.
The costs are always different, but the budget we’re talking about is a set amount of $5 million for staff housing and $8 million for public units.
The number will be determined.
Again, we have indicated that we’re looking at alternatives, ways of maximizing that amount, and we do have information and the process started on actually purchasing some existing buildings that are quite a bit under the cost of construction.
When I say, “quite a bit,” I’m not set at this point to start giving out some of these costs associated with the existing buildings that we’re looking at, but once that determination is made, there will be a clear picture of what the Nunavut Housing Corporation is trying to do because this is the first time we’re trying to go this route.
I have taken the recommendation from the committee to find an alternative way and that’s one of the things that we’re doing at this time with the housing corporation.
I think the best advice this committee has been asking the minister to do is to come up with the details of exactly where, number one, you need these staff housing units and public housing units.
Once you have made that determination, it’s a lot easier to determine and work out the details as to costs.
Right now, you’re asking us to just give you a certain amount and not having the details.
The costs, obviously, are not going to go down.
Compared to a ratio that we have been used, they may be completely out of details. So which is going to come first?
The costs, once they’re figured out, will determine how many units are going to be built. You’re not going to determine how many units you’re proposing in each location where you’re going to chose and, if so, who’s going to make that determination?
Again, as I indicated, the Nunavut Housing Corporation hasn’t made that determination, but we’re looking for alternative ways to maximize the allotted budget. We do need 3,580 public units and this amount is not anywhere impacting the needs of Nunavummiut, including the needs for our GN employees for staff housing.
One of those things that, again, are being tried for the first time through the Nunavut Housing Corporation is to look at other alternative ways.
As I indicated, we have identified some cost savings and this, in a sense, is to maximize, again, the much needed public units and staff housing.
Mr. Chairman, at this time, we don’t have the determination of where the locations are going to be at.
Mr. Curley, you have less than two minutes.
I believe what you’re looking for is a mix of housing modes, whether it be private, public, or modernizing some of the units that are maybe befit to rebuild, but it would be useful to have that information.
How and when is that going to be made?
It does involve a lot of work, it does involve a lot of research, and it involves a lot of communities to consult and have some of these discussions on especially lots. We could make that determination by December.
Using my discretion as the Chair, pursuant to Rule 6(1), I will now recognize the clock and report progress.
Minister Taptuna, I thank you for appearing before us, as well as your officials.
You’re probably aware that we’re not done and that we will ask you to come back to the next committee meeting.
Minister Taptuna, President Barriault, and Ms. Kimball, I thank you for being here.
Speaker: Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Moving on in our orders of the day.
Your committee has been considering Bill 41 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. (interpretation ends) There is a motion on the floor.
Thank you very much, Mr. Ningark.
A reminder of the meeting tomorrow morning at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom with the Standing Committee on Legislation.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Pages 3097 – 3154
Opening Prayer 3097
Ministers’ Statements 3097
Members’ Statements 3100
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3107
Oral Questions 3108
Tabling of Documents 3126
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3127
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3153
Orders of the Day 3153
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 3097
199 – 3(3): Inuit Language Program Training and Official Languages Act Initiatives (Ell) 3097
200 – 3(3): Polar Bear - CITES (Arreak) 3097
201 – 3(3): Iqaluit Airport P3 Project (Taptuna) 3098
202 – 3(3): Governor General Medals for Firefighters (Kusugak) 3099
203 – 3(3): Influenza Campaign (Peterson) 3100
327 – 3(3): Inuit Traditional Food for Medical Travellers (Ningark) 3101
328 – 3(3): Family Violence and Sexual Abuse: Time to Stop the Silence (Aupaluktuq) 3101
329 – 3(3): Finding Solutions, Finding Space (Rumbolt) 3102
330 – 3(3): The Lack of Essential Social Services (Tapardjuk) 3103
331 – 3(3): Congratulations to Pangnirtung’s Long-Serving Volunteer Firefighters (Oshutapik) 3104
332 – 3(3): Nunavut Tourism AGM Delegates (Ell) 3104
333 – 3(3): Strengthening the Public Service (Enook) 3105
334 – 3(3): Congratulating Nanulik’s 2012 Graduates (Ningeongan) 3106
335 – 3(3): Correspondence from Young Constituents (Curley) 3106
442 – 3(3): Inuit Traditional Food for Medical Travellers (Ningark) 3108
443 – 3(3): Status of the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Violence Prevention Strategy (Aupaluktuq) 3110
444 – 3(3): Youth Centres in Nunavut Communities (Curley) 3113
445 – 3(3): Planning Community Specialist Visits (Enook) 3115
446 – 3(3): Fire Prevention Initiatives (Oshutapik) 3117
447 – 3(3): Suicide Prevention Action Plan (Elliott) 3118
448 – 3(3): Lack of Essential Social Services (Tapardjuk) 3120
449 – 3(3): Strengthening the Public Service (Enook) 3123
259 – 3(3): 2009-2010 Annual Report for Nunavummit Kiglisiniartiit (Aariak) 3126
260 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Annual Report for Nunavummit Kiglisiniartiit (Aariak) 3126
261 – 3(3): 2011-2012 Annual Report for Nunavummit Kiglisiniartiit (Aariak) 3126
262 – 3(3): Uqausivut Plan – The Comprehensive Plan Pursuant to the Official Languages Act and the Inuit Language Protection Act 2012-2016 (Arreak) 3126
263 – 3(3): 2009-2011 Annual Report – Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal (Shewchuk) 3126
264 – 3(3): 2013 Sitting Calendar for the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut (Speaker) 3126
265 – 3(3): Report of the Integrity Commissioner to the Speaker Re: The Hon. Fred Schell, MLA (Speaker) 3126
266 – 3(3): Speaker’s List of Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker) 3126
011 – 3(3): Tabling of Community Allocations of New Public and Staff Housing Units (Curley) 3131
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 3127
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee 3136
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 3148
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Mr. Moses Aupaluktuq, Mr. Tagak Curley, Honourable Monica Ell, Mr. Ron Elliott, Mr. Joe Enook, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Mr. Hezakiah Oshutapik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Honourable Peter Taptuna, Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Mr. Elliott to lead us off with a prayer, please.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Elliott. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon, everybody.
Minister’s Statement 199 – 3(3): Inuit Language Program Training and Official Languages Act Initiatives (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As Minister of the Department of Human Resources, it is a great pleasure for me to rise today to share our department’s initiatives in support of the Inuit Language Protection Act and Official Languages Act to strengthen the teaching and learning of Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, and French languages in the public service across all regions of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to report that Inuit language training will be offered in all three regions across Nunavut in 2012-13.
Our language training will include both Inuktitut as a first language and Inuktitut as a second language and Inuinnaqtun language training.
In the 2011-12 fiscal year, we had 89 participants in Inuit language programs, 44 of whom were beneficiaries.
In our 2012 offering, we had 13 successful participants completing beginner to advanced levels, 5 of whom were beneficiaries.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 200 – 3(3): Polar Bear - CITES (Arreak)
I say “good afternoon” to the residents of Clyde River. Hi, Jimmy.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to my colleagues’ attention that, once again, the United States has submitted a proposal to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES, attempting to have the polar bear up-listed.
The proposal will be considered and voted upon at the CITES Council of the Parties, or COP16, meeting in March 2013.
If this proposal is approved, it will restrict the export of polar bear hides and parts throughout the world.
Mr. Speaker, we do not support this proposal, which has no rational conservation basis nor does the World Wildlife Fund or TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network.
Canada has an effective system for managing polar bears which is founded on the principles of conservation.
Canada’s polar bear management system supports the sustainable harvest of polar bears, which remains an important part of Inuit culture and economy.
Our government, along with our partners at Environment Canada, NTI, and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, met with the US Fish and Wildlife Service last month in an attempt to educate them on the implications and negative consequences that such an up-listing would have on Inuit and to point out that the polar bear does not meet the criteria for up-listing.
Our voices seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
Mr. Speaker, polar bear management should be left with the countries that have polar bears to manage – the signatories to the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears.
The GN and Inuit organizations will continue to work with Environment Canada and the other Range States to oppose the US proposal at COP16.
Once again we will work to ensure that our voices are heard and that the world understands that we manage our polar bears well and sustainably.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Arreak. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 201 – 3(3): Iqaluit Airport P3 Project (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I welcome this opportunity to rise today before the Members of this House to update them on the progress of the Iqaluit International Airport Improvement Project.
As many of the members are aware, Nunavut’s Member of Parliament was in Iqaluit in September to announce a $77.3 million contribution to this project.
This contribution came from funding the federal government has set aside to encourage large infrastructure projects under the P3 model.
Mr. Speaker, without this contribution, we would not have been able to deliver this project, and I would like to thank the Government of Canada for helping move it ahead.
This past week, the three proponent teams that were short listed in the request for qualifications have been in Iqaluit for the project kick-off meetings.
While here, I know those proponents have been meeting with local businesses, especially Inuit owned businesses, about the many opportunities that come along with this project.
These opportunities are important, but I would like to remind the Members of this House that this project is really about safety. The number of aircraft, vehicles, and passengers that come together at the Iqaluit airport are a serious concern.
This major expansion of the facility is the only way we can be sure the growth we all know is coming can be accommodated safely, and the P3 model is the best way to fit this project into the Government of Nunavut’s budget.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, large undertakings like this project do not happen without many departments pulling together, and I want to thank all the departments and individuals who have helped bring this project together.
Minister’s Statement 202 – 3(3): Governor General Medals for Firefighters (Kusugak)
Good day, Nunavummiut. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to inform the House of six firefighters from Pangnirtung who recently received the Governor General’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal.
It was my pleasure to present these medals on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, alongside the MLA for Pangnirtung and the Minister of Human Resources at a medal awards ceremony held in Pangnirtung on Friday, October 26.
Mr. Speaker, the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal honours members of Canadian fire services who have completed 20 or more years of service, 10 years of which have been served while performing duties that involve potential risks.
Five firefighters from Pangnirtung were presented with this medal to recognize their years of distinguished service: Larry Dialla, Robert Dialla, Jonah Akulukjuk, Norman Nowyook, and David Uniukshagak.
Larry Dialla, a firefighter with the Pangnirtung fire department, where he has been a member for 20 years and 6 months.
Robert Dialla, a lieutenant with the Pangnirtung fire department, where he has been a member for 23 years and 2 months.
Jonah Akulukjuk, a lieutenant with the Pangnirtung fire department, where he has been a member for 24 years and 2 months.
Norman Nowyook, a fire captain with the Pangnirtung fire department, where he has been a member for 27 years.
David Uniukshagak, a firefighter, former captain and deputy fire chief with the Pangnirtung fire department, where he has a member for 29 years and 8 months.
Timiusie (Tim) Dialla received his 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Medal in 1987 from Governor General Jeanne Sauvé.
At the medals ceremony, Tim received an additional two bars to accompany his medal to mark two additional 10-year periods of service he has provided to the Pangnirtung fire department.
Tim has retired from the Pangnirtung fire department, where he was a former fire chief, and had been a member for an impressive 47 years and 5 months.
Canada’s Exemplary Service Medals recognize the men and women dedicated to preserving Canada’s public safety through long and outstanding service.
These six individuals exemplify this dedication, experience, and excellence in fire services.
Together, these firefighters have helped to raise awareness in Pangnirtung about the importance of fire safety and are continuing to educate youth and adults alike on fire prevention at home and in the community.
On behalf of all Nunavummiut and Canadians, and on behalf of the Governor General, I would like to thank these six award recipients for dedicating their lives to making ours safer and congratulate them on this outstanding achievement.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. (interpretation ends) Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 203 – 3(3): Influenza Campaign (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I would like to inform all members that our 2012-13 Influenza Vaccination Program is now underway at health centres across the territory.
Influenza is a virus that affects a person’s lungs and breathing. It can be dangerous to young children and babies and our elders.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza.
Mr. Speaker, this vaccine is free for anyone who wishes to be vaccinated.
Nunavummiut are encouraged to get vaccinated to help prevent infection or reduce severity.
I would like to invite all of my colleagues to join me in the lobby this afternoon where I will be getting my flu shot.
I encourage all members to join me.
I want to encourage all Nunavummiut to get their flu shot this fall. It’s an easy way to protect families and ourselves and friends from influenza.
Health and Social Services will be promoting the influenza campaign through public service announcements and posters throughout the territory to ensure that all Nunavummiut are aware of the benefits of free flu vaccine.
Member’s Statement 327 – 3(3): Inuit Traditional Food for Medical Travellers (Ningark)
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to talk about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Since we have the Nunavut government, I just want everyone to believe in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
Years ago, people used to get sick, and they used to be asked by their family and friends whether they’re eating the right kind of food for their body.
Also, the person who is sick would get help from his family, a family member who does not live in the same community, and were given nutritious food for them to eat, whether that person who is sick is young or old.
As a government, we have to believe in that.