EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As I indicated earlier, with respect to the report for 2016, I do apologize that I couldn’t give you a definite answer as to whether it will be tabled during the winter or spring sitting.
I will look into the matter and give you a better response in the House during this winter sitting.
Can the minister describe what the Nunavut Food Security Coalition’s top priority will be for the upcoming 2017-18 fiscal year?
The coalition has been quite busy since its inception.
They worked together closely and have had good meetings with the communities, so this issue has been given a high level of consideration.
During 2017-18 we talked about country foods being readily available, for example, making freezers available or having some type of support system set up so that more country food would be made available.
With the federal Nutrition North Canada Program being reformed, we will make sure that foods are made available and possibly set up a subsidy program for sealift or airfreight.
We can look at how we can lower food prices even further.
There are a lot of costs to be factored in such as fuel cost for aircraft and the condition of runways or whether there’s adequate warehouse space available.
We have thought about all these transportation issues and how to tweak airline scheduling to improve shipping of food, as well as by ships.
Those are some of the activities that are being addressed by the coalition.
Last year the coalition did an excellent job of meeting its challenges.
It’s something that is very important to us because we need to have enough food available to the public.
Question 656 – 4(3): Addressing Nunavut’s Need for Inuit Teachers (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, last week I tabled a report called A Hunger to Teach, which addresses the recruitment of Inuit teachers in Nunavut.
The report identifies five barriers that Inuit face in becoming teachers, including language, academics, financial, family and housing issues as well as the lack of knowledge of post-secondary programs such as Nunavut’s Teacher Education Program.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify whether he and his staff have identified any other barriers facing Inuit who may wish to become teachers in Nunavut?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking about that.
When it comes to barriers, I have read through the document and the responses to it.
Every year we ask the communities what they want to teach within their communities.
One of the barriers that we have is when, for example, we get just two people to apply for NTEP. When we have too few students applying for the program, we are unable to provide the program.
That’s one barrier as a result of too few applicants.
We always encourage the communities on this since it is something that they can easily administer whenever there are enough interested applicants.
Sometimes another barrier may be when we run the programs called community teacher education programs and they’re usually in the larger communities like Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay.
Some people are interested in applying, but they don’t want to move to the larger communities.
Those are some of the barriers that I have heard.
I don’t know of any other ones. We try to make ourselves available to assist them in any way we can.
We know about what the minister just told us.
Mr. Speaker, the Hunger to Teach report includes six recommendations with respect to improving the recruitment of Inuit into the teaching profession.
It also mentions what the minister said, such as expanding support for the NTEP program and its students as well as involving NTEP students in information and recruitment campaigns.
I know the minister said that he read it, but has he had the opportunity to review these recommendations and, if so, does he agree with them?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Education, Hon. Paul Quassa.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for requesting more information on that.
In actuality any member of the public in Nunavut or even outside of Nunavut can submit any suggestions.
I see this in the same light that anyone can provide constructive suggestions or ideas.
However, I am pleased to say and I believe I have commented in the past in the House that the Nunavut Teacher Education Program is undergoing a comprehensive review.
What I can state now is that during this calendar month of March we will be awarding the contact for the RFP.
This was just completed and we reached an agreement with (interpretation ends) Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group, (interpretation) who will conduct this review.
I can also inform my colleague that our expectations are that the review will be completed in June.
However, we have asked that these particular aspects be reviewed prior to June 2017: whether we increase the numbers of students in the NTEP program; how to increase the funding; and how the program can be geared towards higher levels.
This would be specific to the (interpretation ends) middle school (interpretation) and higher grades and whether further studies would be required to attain that.
The other area we are asking to be reviewed includes the course materials used to train the teachers and how to increase the course materials.
We identified this as a barrier that cropped up in the past.
Another issue we have asked to be carefully reviewed is whether a more condensed program could be introduced so that teachers can be trained in a shorter time frame.
Another area we wanted reviewed is how these prospective teachers can use the second or third year when the program closes for the year, whether they can practise teach or do a practicum while also taking their courses.
In their third or fourth year of the course they would visit the schools more to see how they can be encouraged to stay in the program and become real teachers.
We have also encouraged them to see how we can have the Inuktitut language be very strongly taught in the schools.
Those are some of the things that we will have reviewed in regard to the Teacher Education Program.
I have read the document that was referenced and we will have it reviewed.
One of the recommendations that he mentioned from the Hunger to Teach report is to “Develop a shorter provisional teacher education program to apprentice teachers and get them teaching while completing [their] degree requirement over time.”
While this review is happening, will the minister commit to considering this revised approach as part of his department’s ongoing review of the NTEP program?
As per my previous remarks, this program is undergoing a review and once a report is available and we have completed our review of the report, I would better be able to answer the question.
However, when the students are taking the courses, perhaps they could visit students in the grade 11 or 12 classes and they can practise in order to get a better idea of what preparations and research are required for planning classroom lessons.
Once they visit our actual schools, our students would have better grasp of the work required to properly teach their students.
Nonetheless, as per my earlier response, there are many areas that will be reviewed and I would be able to provide more details upon completion of this review.
However, it is in relation to these issues we want carefully reviewed. What is noticeable in our work to improve the program is the ultimate goal of improving our current program offerings.
We want to see more students in this program. We are using this review to identify these challenges.
This review will identify them, as well as the direction we ought to take.
Question 657 – 4(3): Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Coordination within Departments (Okalik)
I can’t recall the date, but the Department of Culture and Heritage had a responsible minister who was accountable, where they introduced an initiative to outline the work through reports in each department related to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. It showed the work being done and the reports tabled by that minister.
I would like to ask the minister currently responsible for the Department of Culture and Heritage if any reports are done and if there are any developments in this area.
I’m sorry, but if you can please wait a moment.
I’m sorry. (interpretation ends) Please rephrase your question to show respect to the minister, Mr. Okalik.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): I apologize, Mr. Speaker, as I am trying to express myself in Inuktitut since we are asked to speak in Inuktitut where possible.
I apologize if the phrase wasn’t understood properly.
I was trying to ask the Minister of Culture and Heritage about the past practice of our government that identified individual departments to report on their initiatives to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit within their operations. There was a report tabled by a previous minister on this past work.
My question is: what is the status of this work?
Has more work been added to the past work or will the minister table further reports on what each individual department of our government is undertaking to incorporate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into their operations?
Hopefully that is clearer now.
My colleague knows for sure that all the departments have the responsibility to work on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and the recommendations made by the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.
We have IQ coordinators in each department and we are working continually to deal with traditional knowledge and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I just wanted to elaborate to the member that IQ is within all government departments and they are all working together to incorporate traditional knowledge.
If there’s a recommendation made by the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit, then we review them.
We keep talking about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit societal values in the House.
Can the minister table another report on how each department is doing and what they are working on regarding Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit so that Nunavummiut will have a better knowledge of what the departments are doing to incorporate traditional knowledge?
As I stated before when I responded to the member, all the departments have Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit coordinators and we have an IQ committee.
I just can’t remember the name of the committee, but they are working closely with the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit through the Department of Culture and Heritage. We are working very closely together.
I can table the report in the House once it’s available, but I’m just not sure exactly when that will be. I will be tabling that report once I have it in my hands.
Committee Report 018 – 4(3): Bill 19, Unlawful Property Forfeiture Act (Sammurtok, T)
I wish to report that Bill 19, Unlawful Property Forfeiture Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Bill 19 will appear on the order paper on Wednesday, March 8.
Committee Report 019 – 4(3): Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to report that Bill 26, An Act to Amend the Social Assistance Act, has been reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill, as amended and reprinted, is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Bill 26 will appear on the order paper on Wednesday, March 8.
(interpretation) Item 13. Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik.
Tabled Document 266 – 4(3): Excerpt from the 2014 Annual Report of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (Okalik)
I am very pleased to table today an excerpt from a recent annual report of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.
This entity provides civilian oversight over police services in that province.
I draw the attention of the House to the fact that the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has an agreement with the Yukon government to “conduct investigations into any serious incident” involving the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Tabled Document 267 – 4(3): FPT Ministers of Health Meeting, Toronto, Ontario, October 17 to 18, 2016 (Hickes)
Today I am tabling the conference of FPT ministers of health report, October 17 and 18, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Mr. Johnny Mike.
Tabled Document 268 – 4(3): FPT Forum of Labour Market Ministers, Quebec City, October 14, 2016 (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Today I am pleased to table the Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ FPT Meeting, October 14, 2016, Quebec City, Quebec.
Tabled Document 269 – 4(3): Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Annual Report, December 31, 2015 (Savikataaq)
Today I am tabling the Northern Employee Benefits Services Pension Plan Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Item 14. (interpretation ends) Notices of Motions. (interpretation) Member for Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Motion 044 – 4(3): Extension of Review Period for Bill 29, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act – Notice (Sammurtok, T)
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I give notice that on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, that the period of time for the Standing Committee on Legislation to report Bill 29, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act, back to the House be extended by a further 120 days.
I ask that members remain at their desks. We will have a 20-minute break.
Mr. Chairman, we wish to continue with Bill 34 and the review of the main estimates for the Department of Family Services, if time permits, followed by the departments of Justice and Finance.
Bill 34 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2017-2018 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee
I would now like to ask the Minister of Family Services if he has officials that he would like to appear before the committee. Minister Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Yes. Thank you.
For the record, minister, please introduce your officials. Minister Mike.
My deputy minister to my right is Rebekah Williams and an official with the Department of Family Services is Sol Modesto-Vardy, Director of Corporate Services.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Good afternoon, committee members. Good day, Nunavummiut.
Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee of the Whole, I am pleased to be here today to present and discuss the proposed 2017-18 main estimates and business plan for the Department of Family Services.
The department provides a range of programs and services to promote self-reliance and healthy families.
Program delivery is designed to support families and individuals to meet their basic needs; to seek education, training, and employment; and to protect those most vulnerable in our territory.
Mr. Chairman, for 2017-18 the Department of Family Services is proposing an operating budget of $138,262,000, which represents an increase of $419,000 over last year’s main estimates.
The staff complement for the department has increased from 216.63 PYs in 2016-17 to 228.7 PYs in the proposed 2017-18 main estimates.
The Children and Family Services Branch has been allocated $55.9 million, which represents 40 percent of the department’s proposed 2017-18 operating budget.
This branch provides a broad range of support services for children, families, and vulnerable adults who may require protection and/or other specialized support.
The department continues to implement the Quality Protects Action Plan, which was developed as a response to the Auditor General’s 2011 and 2014 children and family services reviews.
To support these efforts, the Children and Family Services Branch will be increasing its number of much-needed frontline workers and program support staff in the Iqaluit office, including a manager, two family resources workers, a community social services worker, and a support staff to assist with more than 500 active cases in the Iqaluit office.
The department recognizes the linkage between child sexual abuse and suicide in Nunavut.
To assist in our response to suicide prevention, we have allocated funding for a PY at headquarters that will be responsible for developing initiatives on preventing violence against children and youth, with a focus on sexual abuse.
(interpretation ends) We are pleased with the progress that we have made during this past year and we look forward to continuing to move in the right direction towards prevention, community engagement and outreach.
Guardianship Services has moved from the Children and Family Services Branch to the Corporate Management Branch. (interpretation) This is to ensure that it is less likely for the public guardian to be placed in a situation where there may be conflicts of interest.
The Government of Nunavut intends to consolidate all residential long-term care for seniors under the Department of Health.
Effective April 1, 2017 the responsibility for Nunavut’s three elders’ homes, which cover levels 2, 3, and 4 care, will be transferred from the Department of Family Services to the Department of Health, which has been reflected in the proposed main estimates.
As a government we aim to ensure the best care for our senior population.
This transfer of responsibility along with the associated $3,063,000 in funding for contracts and contributions will provide a clear focus on seniors’ care needs by assigning responsibility for the entire continuum of seniors’ care to one department.
There is no PY associated with the transfer.
This move of responsibility will allow the Department of Family Services to focus its efforts and resources on the core mission of protecting the most vulnerable, including seniors, from abuse, neglect, and financial insecurity.
The departments of Family Services and Health established a working group for the transition, which is currently on track.
(interpretation ends) The Income Assistance Branch has been allocated 39 percent, or $53.8 million, of the department’s proposed operating budget for 2017-18.
The Income Assistance Program includes a variety of benefit programs that provide financial assistance to people 18 years of age and over and their dependants.
The objective is to assist residents in achieving their goals for self-reliance.
(interpretation) As of April 1, 2016 income that families received from the federal National Child Benefit Supplement is no longer deducted from Nunavut social assistance calculations.
The new Canada Child Benefit, launched by the Government of Canada in July 2016, is also exempt from the social assistance calculations.
These exemptions provide more benefits for families who need it the most.
We have received positive feedback about these changes.
(interpretation ends) In order to serve the growing needs of our communities, funding will be allocated to provide six part-time income assistance worker positions in the communities of Clyde River, Igloolik, Sanikiluaq, Arviat, Gjoa Haven, and Kugaaruk.
(interpretation) Our community engagement with the Department of Economic Development and Transportation allowed Nunavummiut to provide feedback on how we can help improve our approaches to social assistance in order to promote self-reliance and provide help to those who need it the most.
During the 2016 spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly the report on income assistance reform was tabled, and the department is working hard on moving these reforms forward.
(interpretation ends) The Career Development Branch has been allocated 15 percent, or $20.1 million, of the department’s proposed 2017-18 operating budget.
This branch employs career development officers in all regions to promote employment training programs, to administer funding to clients for these programs, and to offer career counselling services.
Career Development delivers the Financial Assistance for Nunavut Students (FANS) program, which provides funding for students to attend post-secondary education.
The branch is also responsible for the Nunavut Apprenticeship Certification Unit, which oversees the certification of apprentices and journeypersons in the territory.
In 2017-18 the department will strengthen the work readiness of Nunavummiut by continuing to offer the Getting Ready for Employment and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T) and by supporting the training of young people and persons with disabilities through targeted training initiatives.
Our proposed main estimates include an additional position to support this work.
(interpretation) The Corporate Management Branch has been allocated 6 percent, or $8.5 million, of the department’s proposed operating budget for 2017-18.
This branch is responsible for overall management support to the department, setting direction and leadership in the key areas of strategic planning, policy development, Inuit employment and human resources planning, systems management, and financial planning.
We have allocated a human resource PY which will coordinate recruitment, employee relations, and training activities of the departmental staff.
Through the Poverty Reduction Division we will continue to support the coordination and reform of programs with the goal of identifying ways to reduce poverty and better support Nunavummiut who find themselves in vulnerable situations and community-based organizations.
We will continue to provide administrative support to meet the requirements of the Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act.
In partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the division supports the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction and the implementation of the Nunavut Food Security Action Plan.
A territorial food security coordinator position was transferred from the Department of Health to the Department of Family Services to coordinate projects under the Nunavut Food Security Strategy and Action Plan.
Mr. Chairman, this proposed operating budget would allow the department to continue on its path to fulfilling our Sivumut Abluqta commitments.
It would improve our ability to support Nunavummiut as they work toward achieving self-reliance, provide for their families, and support their communities.
Your support has allowed the department to achieve many of the priorities set in years past and we look forward to continuing to work with you as the department builds on those successes and continues to improve the way in which services and programs are delivered to Nunavummiut.
I would be happy to respond to questions from members of the Committee of the Whole on the proposed 2017-18 main estimates and business plan of the Department of Family Services.
Mr. Chairman, members of the Standing Committee on Government Estimates and Operations have reviewed the 2017-18 main estimates and business plan of the Department of Family Services.
Mr. Chairman, the proposed operations and maintenance budget for the Department of Family Services is just over $138 million for 2017-18.
This represents a small increase over the department’s restated budget for 2016-17.
As noted in previous years since the creation of the department in 2013 with the amalgamation of various divisions from different departments across the Government of Nunavut, there has been some confusing overlap with respect to services and programs being delivered by different departments.
Members were therefore pleased to note that the responsibility and corresponding funding of over $3 million for three elders’ homes is being transferred to the Department of Health.
The standing committee encourages the department’s transition team in its efforts to make this transfer a smooth and successful one in order that services and programs for seniors and elders can be provided along a more streamlined continuum of care.