EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
One of the benefits mentioned in the report is home travel. This benefit is for ministers who, and I quote from the report, “represent a non-Iqaluit constituency may claim home travel expenses for themselves, their spouses and children for personal trips between their electoral district and Iqaluit.”
Can the Premier confirm that this policy allows for ministers, their spouses and children to travel as the policy states for travel from Iqaluit and the minister’s electoral district return?
As a former minister, I’m sure he knows exactly what entails about ministerial travel.
My ministers are dependent upon and following the manual in terms of their ministerial travel to the areas that they have to travel in.
That also includes the members’ travel allocation.
Based on that, can the Premier confirm that this benefit is only for travel within Nunavut unless a minister, their spouse, or children have to travel through another jurisdiction like the NWT to either get home or to Iqaluit?
I’m going to take an example. For instance, for the members’ travel for the Arctic Winter Games’ years, the members are allowed to bring their spouses and so on to attend these kinds of things. There are specific areas that members are to adhere to in the guidelines.
Can the Premier indicate if she or her officials have authorized reimbursements to any minister under this policy for travelling originally from or ending out of Nunavut?
Hon. Eva Aariak: If I understand the question properly, I don’t recall any approvals for travel ending out of the territory.
I would have to check that because I don’t have that information with me.
Question 656 – 3(3): Seismic Testing in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (Enook)
I say “good afternoon” to the people of Pond Inlet and Nunavummiut.
I would like to continue with my question from yesterday to the Minister of Environment.
Yesterday, I asked a question about the proposed seismic survey in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait.
It has come to my attention that on June 10, 2011, the Government of Nunavut made a written submission to the National Energy Board on this project.
My first question to the minister is: did the minister and his cabinet colleagues approve the submission before it was sent to the National Energy Board?
In 2011, there was a written submission with respect to the survey in Baffin Bay and the government wrote a letter. I’m not exactly sure what happened then because I was not part of the cabinet.
When we are going to write a letter with respect to policies, we have to use those guidelines and manuals to respond to whomever. I don’t recall the responses. I think the member has the written material that was responded to by the government.
Mr. Enook: Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) The Government of Nunavut’s 2011 submission to the National Energy Board stated in part that “The Government of Nunavut recognizes the importance of such data collection in an area that has very limited geosciences data available, as well as the potential economic benefit that offshore petroleum activity could provide to both Nunavut and Canada.”
That was written by the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, my question is: is this still the government’s position today?
Yes, the foundation is still the same.
I want the member to be aware that this government has no leeway or mandate in the offshore past the territorial limit. Furthermore, NIRB doesn’t have any ability to review these proposals. However, we will continue to work with them to keep abreast of any developments.
Additionally, the National Energy Board has held community meetings in Iqaluit, Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River, Pond Inlet, and the consultation information has been provided on the website for the body. The information on what their planned activities were became publicly available on May 13. Anyone can access that information.
This government will continue to work with our communities. Their planned activity schedule hasn’t changed to date.
Mr. Enook: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) On April 29, 2013, the National Energy Board held a public meeting in Pond Inlet on the proposed seismic survey.
At that time, I asked the National Energy Board to clarify when it will make a final decision on this matter.
The response to my question was that the board will be considering this issue in mid- to late May.
Mr. Speaker, in light of the strong opposition to this proposed seismic survey that has been raised by hunters and trappers organizations, will the Government of Nunavut formally oppose this project and make its position known to the National Energy Board, yes or no?
I responded to the question yesterday.
We have to make sure the communities are informed on this project of the survey that is being done. They also do studies on the wildlife around those areas in those communities. They also do the same seismic surveys in some other areas.
Studies haven’t been done on the wildlife. As far as we know, there are not much long-term problems with wildlife. We haven’t seen any problems with the wildlife in the other areas where seismic surveys have been done.
We would also like to hear some more from the communities. If we hear something from the other communities, we will inform the member. We haven’t heard from other communities that have problems with that.
Question 657 – 3(3): Status of the Affordable Energy Fund (Elliott)
As the minister is aware, section 39.1 of the Qulliq Energy Corporation Act provides for the establishment of an “Affordable Energy Fund,” whose purpose is to “hold money appropriated to it in order, directly or indirectly, to subsidize the cost of energy or otherwise make energy more affordable.”
The Government of Nunavut’s Ikummatiit Energy Strategy, which was released in 2007, clearly states that the Affordable Energy Fund “will be managed by the Department of Finance.”
Can the minister tell the House today what the current balance of the Affordable Energy Fund stands at?
I appreciate Mr. Elliott’s faith in my memory and knowledge of every clause and act in the Financial Administration Act and everything else.
Mr. Speaker, I can’t provide that information today, I’m sorry.
Maybe my expectations for him are too high then.
The Ikummatiit Energy Strategy indicates that the Affordable Energy Fund will be used to make resources available for “alternative energy and efficiency projects.”
Last week, the three territorial premiers issued a communiqué following their annual meetings.
The communiqué stated that “cost-effective energy systems, as well as cleaner alternatives, are the backbone of healthy, sustainable communities.”
Can the Minister of Finance describe what kinds of projects his department will consider funding through the Affordable Energy Fund?
Perhaps I should have said to Mr. Elliott earlier that I’ll take that question as notice. Mr. Speaker, I can’t provide that information at this time.
The minister didn’t take the question as notice, so that gives me rise to the next question, which hopefully, since we can’t seem to get any answers from the ministers, will ensure… . I know he does not like the fact that I ask to have stuff tabled and tabled over again. This is why we ask the questions.
The Government of Nunavut tables an annual report on the status of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund that has been established under a different territorial statute.
Again, we ask these things to be tabled because we realized that over the last four years, the ministers aren’t able to remember things.
This way, if it’s tabled, it’s in the permanent record.
Will the minister commit to informing this Legislative Assembly and Nunavummiut about the Affordable Energy Fund by tabling an annual report on how it is being used?
As Mr. Elliott is undoubtedly aware, I don’t like to commit to something I can’t guarantee, but I’ll assure my colleague that I’ll consider taking his suggestion under consideration and report back to him.
Question 658 – 3(3): Anti-bullying Programs in Nunavut’s Schools (Ugyuk)
Mr. Speaker, in my statement earlier today, I spoke of a letter written by one of my constituents and her suggestion that there be an anti-bullying program or anti-bullying curriculum for Nunavut schools.
I am confident that the minister will have read this letter as it was sent to her in her capacity as Premier.
Can the minister provide an update on what anti-bullying initiatives have been developed by the Department of Education and how they are implemented?
Curriculum and School Services staff is developing a resource manual for schools in the topic of establishing a positive school environment, similar to the School Operations Manual.
As well, district education authorities are addressing the issue of bullying with policy development regarding student code of conduct.
I also thank the minister for her response. (interpretation ends) Ms. Lyall is a student at Netsilik School in Taloyoak and has experienced bullying at her school.
She believes that there is a very low chance that there is a bully-free school.
Can the minister clarify whether or not the Department of Education collects statistics or any other information about the rate of bullying in Nunavut’s schools?
I am not aware of data collection on bullying issues in the schools, but as you know, bullying is not just a school issue; it’s actually an issue that can be around in our society.
Bullying is a societal issue that takes place in the homes, on the streets, in the schools, or even in workplaces sometimes.
In order for this issue to be dealt with, the homes, schools, and communities have to work together.
The Department of Education is committed to working collaboratively to provide schools, parents, communities, and agencies with the training, processes, and resources to address the development of safe and caring school environments.
There are many resources in Nunavut readily available and/or being developed, which has addressed this issue and other such issues.
There are also resources outside of government organizations that provide support materials to school staff.
Nunavut has a number of initiatives to enhance and facilitate the social and emotional growth of students, and these are in the schools, what you call “tribes.”
Training helps teachers learn how to organize a classroom that encourages students to respect each other.
It’s an ongoing process that is offered in the schools. Some schools are also using restitution approaches to improve school environments and interpersonal relationships between students.
Many materials, resources, and curricula are available to assist schools to address the issue of healthy communities and safe schools.
The example to that is the Aulajaaqtut curriculum from grades 10 to 12.
It deals with understanding and developing healthy relationships, self-esteem, tolerance, and understanding for others, regardless of gender, race, or abilities.
Yes, that response was clearly understandable. However, based on my own understanding, it is only if the school itself requests a program that it can be incorporated into their curriculum.
This program doesn’t form part of the curriculum nor is it a requirement. At least I don’t think that is the case to date.
(interpretation ends) Bullying is a serious issue and can have many sad consequences for our youth. Will the minister commit to developing an anti-bullying curriculum that can be distributed and used across all Nunavut schools?
Indeed, bullying within the schools and in other parts of our communities isn’t a palatable issue and it will always cause concerns, especially since it affects other people and students within our schools. So we are trying to discourage this practice since it can cause depression and the other symptoms my colleague was referring to earlier. It is, indeed, a serious issue.
As per my earlier statement, the Department of Education is putting a program into the curriculum. As well, our staff at the School Services Division is developing a program to combat this and to include it as part of the school curriculum. This is part of the efforts to institute a (interpretation ends) positive school environment (interpretation) in English.
So there are initiatives towards dealing with this issue.
Question 659 – 3(3): Government Office Space in Smaller Communities (Rumbolt)
My questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services, whose department is responsible for property management.
During yesterday’s question period, both the Minister of Health and the Minister of Justice indicated that their departments have worked with the Department of Community and Government Services to identify office space in Sanikiluaq to address such issues as the need for a new community corrections officer and frontline health and social services staff.
Can the minister confirm that Community and Government Services has overall responsibility for identifying and securing office space for other GN departments?
I also thank the member for asking that question. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, my colleague is correct that we are working with the departments of Health and Justice in trying to deal with the lack of office space in the community of Sanikiluaq.
We’re working through that.
Yes, we have the responsibility of working with our client departments, whichever they may be, in securing adequate office space.
The current business plan of the Department of Community and Government Services indicates that one of its priorities has been to develop a new office space strategy. According to the department’s business plan, a consultant’s report on this issue was to have been ready in April.
Will the minister commit to tabling a copy of this report in the Legislative Assembly before the end of the current spring sitting?
Although there was the plan to have it completed by the end of April, I have to look to see if, in fact, the document is ready.
In some communities, private companies may be willing to construct new facilities if the government is willing to commit to undertaking long-term leases for office space.
Can the minister indicate if the government is open to entering into such arrangements?
Mr. Speaker, at this time, it would be very hard, if not impossible, to commit to leasing property that, in fact, isn’t even constructed yet.
I think that this government and my colleague are aware that there are proper procurement processes in place. When you’re looking for office space, you need to give all Nunavummiut, for that matter, an opportunity to provide office space in any community.
To keep that in mind, this government would not be able to enter into long-term contracts on buildings that, in fact, are not even constructed yet, keeping in mind that we need to give all Nunavummiut an opportunity to bid on things such as providing office space for the government.
Question 660 – 3(3): Internal Audit of Ministerial Travel (Schell)
My question is for the Minister of Finance, whose department has the responsibility for the internal audit function for the government.
The internal audit function serves to ensure that the Financial Administration Act, the Financial Administration Manual, and other policies and procedures are being complied with by our government departments.
Mr. Speaker, in the interest of openness, transparency, and accountability, I would like to ask the minister if he could direct his Internal Audit Division to conduct an internal audit on the home travel policies for ministers administered by the Department of EIA for the period May 15, 2012 to May 15, 2013 to ensure that the policy has been complied with and report these findings to the House at our September sitting.
This is, indeed, an unusual request in question period.
Perhaps if Mr. Schell could put his request in writing with some details to help us assess his concern, I would take a look at it.
Question 661 – 3(3): Status of the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund (Aupaluktuq)
Mr. Speaker, on March 19, 2013, the minister tabled in the Legislative Assembly his department’s annual report on the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund.
The purpose of this fund is to promote the wise use of wildlife and habitat through education, training, and research while respecting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
As of March 31, 2012, the fund’s balance was over $283,000. However, Mr. Speaker, the department has not spent a penny from this fund during the last eight years when our new Wildlife Act was passed.
Can the minister clearly explain why the department has not been using these funds?
I also thank Mr. Aupaluktuq for asking that question about a practice we can emulate and remember when we are speaking about the uses for this fund.
The main purposes are to (interpretation ends) conserve or enhance wildlife and habitat, including biological diversity; acquire and manage land for the conservation or enhancement of a population of a species of wildlife and its habitat; promote education and training with respect to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, safe and humane harvesting methods, harvester education, and wildlife conservation; and promote knowledge and awareness of wildlife and habitat or of the fund.
(interpretation ends) The $283,000 has not been used.
We can state when it will be used, but we are trying to build up the interest for these funds. We are planning to use the interest to assist the people and try not to use the balance of this fund.
I am thankful that our interest will be reported and should be able to help.
I asked questions on the $283,000. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the government’s most annual report on the Natural Resources Conservation Trust Fund indicates that it plans to “build the fund to a level where the interest is sufficient to meaningfully fund eligible projects.”
Can the minister indicate exactly how large the fund has to be before the department will start using it?
Hon. James Arreak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) When the funds are large enough to start giving interest rates, (interpretation) we have not stated the maximum. Before we use these funds, we will inform the people when they can apply for these funds.
The government’s most recent annual report on the Natural Resources Conservation Trust also indicates that “new regulations are expected to be brought forward in 2013.” Can the minister describe what will be contained in these new regulations?
There is a lot of information which I do not have in front of me.
NWMB still has to have an agreement.
Once these agreements are all in place, the new regulations will be established or reported in 2013.
Question 662 – 3(3): Administration of the Co-operative Associations Act (Elliott)
As a proud member of Arctic Bay’s local co-operative, I am a strong supporter of the role that co-ops play in our communities, including their commitment to the payment of annual dividends to co-op members.
Under section 2 of the territorial Co-operative Associations Act, the minister responsible for economic development is required to appoint a supervisor of co-operative associations, who has certain duties and powers under the legislation.
Can the minister indicate how often this position holds meetings with members of the boards of directors of Nunavut’s local co-ops to assist them in ensuring that they are meeting the requirements of the legislation?
Again, I’ve got to say that he’s been reading up just about every Act that the government has.
Mr. Speaker, under the Co-op Act, it’s there to protect the Co-ops and the Co-op membership.
I do have the powers to appoint the supervisor for the Co-op Act under my department. Any letters of enquiry or requests for assistance is taken seriously and immediately.
As the member is well aware, the Co-ops do have their annual general meetings annually and we do receive most of the AGMs.
We take any enquiries that are directed through the annual general meetings seriously and any other requests that come to our office for the Co-op supervisor is taken seriously.
The Co-operative Associations Act establishes a number of requirements that are necessary to ensure that the operations of co-ops are being conducted transparently.
For example, section 31 of the legislation requires associations to annually submit audited financial statements to the supervisor of co-operative associations.
Can the minister indicate how this position works to ensure that the financial reporting requirements of the Co-operative Associations Act are being fulfilled?
As the minister responsible for the Co-op Act, it’s not very appropriate for me to discuss some of these business situations that the Co-ops are in, but I understand fully what communities the member is referring to. I can just generally speak on some of the information that’s out there within the Act.
The supervisor has the authority and we have staff there that is able to assist any co-op that requests some assistance.
As the member is well aware, every society has to be registered with the Government of Nunavut’s registry through the Department of Justice. Every co-op has to make an attempt to be in good standing. We will assist any community that requests assistance to get up to standing to be within the Act and register the societies.
Section 35 of the Co-operative Associations Act establishes a process whereby ordinary co-op members can request the supervisor of co-operative associations to review the affairs of an association.
The supervisor would report his or her findings to the minister.
Can the minister confirm how ordinary co-op members can contact the supervisor of co-operative associations?
Mr. Speaker, we give every opportunity for the societies to correct the situation that they’re in, whether it’s financial or otherwise.
To register with the Department of Justice or to be in good standing with the registrars of Nunavut, the registrar of societies, we prefer that they first attempt to deal with their issues at the local level with assistance from whomever they’re connected with, mainly ACL out of Winnipeg.
If there is a written request to our supervisor, we will surely make every effort to assist the Co-operatives.
Question 663 – 3(3): Training Materials for Unilingual School Counsellors (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, last year, I had questions regarding the school counsellors, who are called school community counsellors. They wanted to participate in the training, but there was no room.
Mr. Speaker, in November of last year, the minister had stated that this was being dealt with for 2013-14.
It has now been six months since this has been planned.
Are there any guidelines or training that unilingual school community counsellors can take within their school?
In regard to unilingual school community counsellors, I checked and they will be taught using their own language. That was an option that they could take.
I haven’t checked into it again, but I will look into it and get back to the member. (interpretation ends) I will take that as notice.
Question 664 – 3(3): Sewage Lagoons in Nunavut (Schell)
Cape Dorset’s new sewage lagoon was constructed six years ago.
However, the much needed new facility has still not been commissioned and brought into operation.
Last week, the Legislative Assembly approved another capital carryover for this project.
Can the minister indicate when work on the sewage lagoon will be completed so that it can finally be opened?
It seems to be an ongoing problem in that community dealing with the new sewage lagoon.
Our department is working diligently to try to solve the problems with the new facility.
I just don’t have a time at this date as to exactly when it would be available to be commissioned.
Has the municipality been provided with an updated timeline for repairs to the sewage lagoon?
We are working with the community and trying to keep them informed as to the progress, however slow it may be, with the work on the sewage lagoon in Cape Dorset.
As the minister will recall, the issue of territorial compliance with water licensing requirements in respect to wastewater treatment has been a major issue in a number of communities.
Information concerning Cape Dorset’s project indicates that the new sewage lagoon will enable the municipality to treat sufficient volumes of wastewater to enable it to meet the requirements of its water licence.