EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Once again that leads into my next question.
In June of 2009, the Minister of Finance introduced a supplementary appropriation bill that included $925,000 in funding for the planning and design of a new Iqaluit Regional Marine Facility to, and I quote, “meet the needs of marine resupply as well as local boat owners and operators.”
However, no new funding has been allocated to this project since that time, Mr. Speaker.
The Minister of Finance’s department is responsible for administering the government’s Public-Private Partnership Policy.
Given the success of the P3 approach to constructing our much needed new airport, is the government open to using a P3 approach for constructing a new strategic marine facility in Iqaluit, yes or no?
Hon. Keith Peterson: I feel like I’m in a university class where they’re writing exams, yes or no. It’s not that easy, Mr. Speaker. Ms. Angnakak knows that.
If a proposal comes forward through the planning process, we will consider it.
Question 487 – 4(2): Support for Nunavut Sivuniksavut (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my Member’s Statement, the Nunavut Sivuniksavut, or NS, program has had a significant impact on Nunavummiut since its establishment 30 years ago. I want to thank our Premier, who went down to their AGM celebrations to speak on our behalf.
I note that the Government of Nunavut last provided support for the NS program through a Department of Education contribution of $75,000 in the 2013-14 fiscal year.
I would like to ask the minister: can he tell us how the Government of Nunavut has supported the NS program since the 2013-14 fiscal year?
Mr. Speaker, I attended one of their events on April 27 and their 30th anniversary of the program.
I’ve got to say that the member is quite right. There’s an alumni that was there driving nice cars, so I’m assuming it’s a very good program and it has been there for 30 years.
We know for a fact that these programs that they deliver at Nunavut Sivuniksavut are recognized through the Algonquin College and of course, they’re specific to Inuit.
The programs are specific to Inuit beneficiaries.
Since 1985, these programs have been delivered through mechanisms there. There are a lot of funders that are out there, of course, the Inuit organizations, including Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and the regional Inuit associations, but these programs have proven successful and the students learn about the land claims agreement and of course, Inuit History 1, Inuit History 2, Contemporary Inuit Issues, Inuit-Government Relations, English, Computers and Career Orientation.
Mr. Speaker, I can’t give an exact amount that we have contributed as a government to the programs going back, but certainly, we have contributed in 2014-15 through FANS to assist the students amounting to $725,000.
I again take note of the survey that the NS program conducted which showed that out of 181 alumni, roughly one-third of respondents indicated they are currently working for the Government of Nunavut.
Has the minister considered developing a formal partnership with the NS program to train Nunavummiut for jobs within the public sector and boost the government’s Inuit employment levels?
Mr. Speaker, as a government, we’re obligated under Article 23 of the land claims agreement to have a representative Inuit employment within our government.
For the most part, it’s at 50 percent. We aim to increase that.
In forming partnerships, we will certainly look at that.
As members are well aware, early in the month, there was a signing ceremony that took place between Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, the Government of Canada, and the Government of Nunavut. As you know, the litigation clause has ended there with an agreement for the Government of Canada to give Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated $255 million specifically for Inuit training.
I will certainly be looking forward to NTI’s plan on how they’re going to deliver and disburse the funds to increase Inuit employment, not just within the Government of Nunavut; it’s also in the federal government and of course, into NTI.
Certainly, we will be taking a good, hard look at that to ensure that we best find ways to increase Inuit employment within the Government of Nunavut.
Will the minister commit to discussing the possibility of providing core funding to Nunavut Sivuniksavut with his partners at NTI and give serious consideration to making such funding part of the training and education components of the Aajiiqatigiinniq partnership agreements?
Of course, we do have an MOU, an agreement with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, where we plan on collaborating with Nunavut issues and that’s one of them.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that our core funding contributions on an annual basis to Nunavut Sivuniksavut is $75,000.
Throughout the process and collaboration with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, we will certainly take another look at that to see how best we can increase the number of Inuit employees not just within the Nunavut government but throughout the territory.
Of course, under Article 23, it is an obligation of the Nunavut government to increase the number of Inuit within the employ of the Government of Nunavut.
Question 488 – 4(2): Construction of New Staff Housing Units (Rumbolt)
As the member from Tununiq, Mr. Enook, stated earlier today, the Legislative Assembly approved $20.0 million in supplementary appropriations for the construction of new staff housing units across the territory.
One of the communities that have been considered for new staff housing units is Sanikiluaq, along with several other communities.
At the time, the minister indicated that the allocation list was not final and earlier today, we were informed that the list is still not finalized. When will the minister be in a position to confirm which communities will be receiving new staff housing units from the $20 million in new funding that was approved earlier this year by the Legislative Assembly?
Mr. Speaker, as I indicated earlier, this is under the 2016 budget.
We have to look at the lots and what is available in what community when it comes to building the staff housing units. At this time, it’s still under consideration and I can’t respond to your question because it’s not finalized.
Information provided to Members of the Legislative Assembly by the Nunavut Housing Corporation also indicated that “any new construction is subject to availability of developed land and community infrastructure capacity.”
Can the minister describe what specific actions the Nunavut Housing Corporation is taking in cooperation with the Department of Community and Governments and the Qulliq Energy Corporation to address this issue?
As I indicated earlier, we are still looking at the information. The Nunavut Housing Corporation cannot proceed with this initiative alone. We have to work with the municipalities and the Department of Community and Government Services, as well as other entities.
We have to look at the Qulliq Energy Corporation and CG&S.
I can’t give the information today because we haven’t finalized the gathering of information in the communities. We have to look at all those issues along with Community and Government Services. We have to look at the lands that are available, including the Hamlet of Sanikiluaq.
I do apologize that I can’t give you that information at this time.
Information provided to Members of the Legislative Assembly by the Nunavut Housing Corporation also indicates that the corporation has been “looking at developing a Request for Proposals for private sector construction of new units for lease.”
Can the minister update the House on the status of this initiative?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
I would like to state that before our session is over, I will be reporting to you about the question that you’re asking. I will provide this information in the House.
Question 489 – 4(2): Midwifery Training in Nunavut (Hickes)
I would like to direct my next question also to the Minister of Health, keeping with the midwifery topic.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s Midwifery Profession Act permits qualified and registered midwives to provide maternal services to pregnant mothers in Nunavut. As with many health professions, having more Nunavummiut trained and qualified in midwifery can only benefit our health care delivery system as a whole.
Mr. Speaker, can the minister clarify how his department is working with Nunavut Arctic College to recruit and train Nunavummiut to become midwives, and what steps are taken to ensure they’re employed as midwives after graduation?
In the past, midwifery was being taught here, but it hasn’t gone ahead to date.
We are doing a review on this issue right now. It’s an ongoing review that we are doing.
We still have to speak with Arctic College regarding this issue so that there could be midwifery training at the college.
I’m just wondering maybe if the minister could just clarify that there is no midwifery programs currently being offered at Nunavut Arctic College. Was that his response?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Yes. Thank you.
That is correct. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you for that clarification, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, almost exactly one year ago, two midwives graduated from the program in Cambridge Bay.
As Nunavut has one of the highest birth rates across Canada, it is important to recruit and employ more midwives into our health care system. Can the minister maybe provide some further clarification on how his department is working towards encouraging, recruiting, and training candidates for Nunavut’s Midwifery Program?
We have done a review on if we’re going to be training more midwives here.
We are still reviewing this and we are working closely with Arctic College concerning midwifery in Nunavut.
Question 490 – 4(2): Vacant Staff Housing Units (Enook)
I have another question for the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, on numerous occasions, I have asked if there could be a review of government staff housing units in the communities that have remained empty.
Mr. Speaker, all of us here in Nunavut know that we have a severe shortage of housing, especially for public housing.
We know that there are many government staff housing units that have not been in use, especially in Pond Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, I have asked this question to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation before and part of his response was that he wasn’t told about this.
Mr. Speaker, the reason I am seeking an answer to this is that the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation is responsible for housing within Nunavut. I feel that he doesn’t have to be told about this because he is the minister for this.
We have been talking about housing in Nunavut for a long period of time. Can you see what we can do about those government houses that are not occupied?
I will ask my staff to look into this.
So that we can all have a better understanding, are you going to be asking your staff to look into this or are you going to direct them to do so? Are you just going to be asking them?
I do understand your question and I will be coming back to you on this issue in this House.
As ministers, you are responsible and you shouldn’t just wait for your staff to do things for you.
Mr. Speaker, I wrote a letter to the minister on April 11 and to date, I haven’t received an answer.
Are you going to be responding to my letter before the summer is over?
Before we adjourn at this month, I will be coming back to you on this issue.
Question 491 – 4(2): Status of Nursing in Nunavut (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, it was National Nursing Week to recognize the hard work that our nurses do all across Nunavut and across the nation.
Mr. Speaker, being a nurse in one of Nunavut’s rural and remote communities is a challenging job, made all the more difficult by the ongoing turnover of staff, shortages of staff, and staff who arrive with a lack of understanding of the unique characteristics of Nunavut’s population.
Can the minister provide an update on the current numbers of full-time indeterminate, agency, and casual nurses currently working in Nunavut?
There are [272] nurses in all of Nunavut. To date, there are 178 full-time nurses, there are 96 open positions right now, there are 56 part-time nurses, and there are 19 contract agency nurses.
I thank the member for providing us with that information. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that the shortage of nurses and other health professionals is a problem all across Canada. Can the minister describe what specific strategies his department has in place to recruit nurses to come and work in Nunavut?
Even in the States, it’s also like this, as is the case in Canada.
We are trying to find other ways of dealing with this.
Through Arctic College, we are training nurses within Nunavut and we are trying to recruit more Inuit to take the courses offered through Arctic College.
I thank the member for his response. It leads right into my next question.
Mr. Speaker, the Nursing Program at Nunavut Arctic College has been ongoing for several years now.
It has successfully produced qualified nurses who are from Nunavut and who are now able to work here.
Can the minister provide an update of how many beneficiaries have taken the opportunity to earn their nursing degree and are now working as nurses in Nunavut?
Yes, I do have a copy here.
To date, there are 22 students in the Nursing Program and of those, there are 9 beneficiaries.
There are five students on their last year who are trying to complete the program and there is one Inuk as well.
To date, as far as I know, we have approximately 14 Inuit nursing graduates.
Response to Petition 002 – 4(2): Petition to Request a 24-hour Elders Facility in Rankin Inlet (Clerk)
Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am tabling the response to Petition 2 – 4(2) that was filed during the 2015 winter session of the Fourth Assembly.
Tabled Document 142 – 4(2): Actuarial Valuation Report as at April 1, 2014 under the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker)
Tabled Document 143 – 4(2): Actuarial Valuation Report as at April 1, 2014 under the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker)
As required by the Legislative Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act, I wish to table today the [actuarial] valuation reports as at April 1, 2014.
Tabled Document 144 – 4(2): Excerpt from Nunavut Eastern Arctic Shipping Presentation on Marine Infrastructure (Angnakak)
I wish to table today an excerpt from a presentation concerning marine infrastructure that was delivered at this year’s Nunavut Mining Symposium by the Nunavut Eastern Arctic Shipping Group.
Mr. Speaker, this important presentation clearly outlined the benefits that will be experienced by a number of Nunavut communities through the successful achievement of urgently needed improvements to strategic marine infrastructure in our territory’s capital city.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Mr. Okalik.
Tabled Document 145 – 4(2): Public Engagement Report for the Crime Prevention Strategy (Okalik)
I am pleased to table the Public Engagement Report for the Crime Prevention Strategy. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker: (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Tabling of Documents.
Tabled Document 146 – 4(2): Resolutions Passed at the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Angnakak)
I wish to table today a collection of resolutions that were passed at the most recent annual general meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
Mr. Speaker, a number of these resolutions address issues that I have been raising in the House, including solid waste management and water licensing.
I encourage all members to review these resolutions with care.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Mr. Peterson.
Tabled Document 147 – 4(2): Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the 2012-13 Annual Report and 2014-18 Corporate Plan for the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the 2012-13 Annual Report and 2014-18 Corporate Plan for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) The Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Tabled Document 148 – 4(2): Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the Office of the Auditor General to the Legislative Assembly on the 2014 Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut (Ugyuk)
I am pleased to table the Response to the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts’ Report on the Review of the Office of the Auditor General to the Legislative Assembly on the 2014 Follow-up Report on Child and Family Services in Nunavut.
We will move on. (interpretation ends) Item 14.
Motion 022 – 4(2): Standing Committee Appointments – Notice (Hickes)
I give notice that on Thursday, May 28, 2015, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aivilik, that the Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet be appointed to the Standing Committee on Legislation, the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts, and the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development.
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Notice
I give notice that on Thursday, May [28], 2015, that Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016, be read for the first time.
Motion 022 – 4(2): Standing Committee Appointments (Hickes)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for the first reading of Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The minister is seeking consent to waive the two-day waiting period so that Bill 22 can be read for the first time today.
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016, be read for the first time.
The motion is carried and Bill 22 has received first reading.
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Pangnirtung, that Bill 22, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016, be read for the second time.
The motion is carried and Bill 22 has received second reading and is referred to the Committee of the Whole.
Motion 023 – 4(2): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Aggu, that the House adjourn for the day.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion to adjourn is in order and is not subject to debate.
The motion is carried and I will proceed to Item 22 on the order paper.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Wednesday, May 27, at 1:30 p.m.
Minister of Community and Government Services;
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Pages 2694 – 2745
Opening Prayer 2694
Ministers’ Statements 2694
Members’ Statements 2698
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2707
Oral Questions 2709
Tabling of Documents 2725
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2726
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2745
Orders of the Day 2745
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 2694
144 – 4(2): Nunavut Arctic College Nursing Accreditation (Quassa) 2694
145 – 4(2): Davis Strait Polar Bear User-to-User Meeting (Mike) 2695
146 – 4(2): Annual Report on Poverty Reduction (Ugyuk) 2695
147 – 4(2): Hivuliqtikhanut Program (Taptuna) 2696
148 – 4(2): Retirement of Andrew Tagak Sr. (Okalik) 2697
294 – 4(2): Successful 2015 Pangaggujjiniq – Nunavut Quest (Shooyook) 2698
295 – 4(2): Congratulations to Sanikiluaq’s 2015 High School Graduates (Rumbolt) 2698
296 – 4(2): Is Education Really Our Priority?
(Sammurtok) 2699
297 – 4(2): Congratulations to the Kivalliq Mine Training Society (Sammurtok, T) 2699
298 – 4(2): Congratulations to the Arviat Cinema Group (Savikataaq) 2700
299 – 4(2): School Breakfast Programs (Angnakak) 2701
300 – 4(2): Congratulations to Gjoa Haven Graduates of the Nunavut Teacher Education Program (Akoak) 2702
301 – 4(2): Appreciation to Arviat Elders (Taptuna) 2702
302 – 4(2): Congratulations to Pangnirtung Graduates (Mike) 2703
303 – 4(2): Recipients of Commissioner’s Award in Igloolik (Quassa) 2704
304 – 4(2): Arviat Soccer Athletes (Kuksuk) 2704
305 – 4(2): Appreciation to Family in Constituency (Ugyuk) 2706
306 – 4(2): Appreciation to Mike Giles for House Fire Rescue (Okalik) 2706
492 – 4(2): Inspection of Government Building in Resolute Bay (Shooyook) 2709
493 – 4(2): Departmental Staffing Issues (Angnakak) 2709
494 – 4(2): Consumer Protection Act (Rumbolt) 2710
495 – 4(2): Manitoba-Kivalliq Power Transmission (Savikataaq) 2712
496 – 4(2): Mental Health in Nunavut (Joanasie) 2713
497 – 4(2): Update on the New Building Canada Fund (Mapsalak) 2714
498 – 4(2): Departmental Positions (Enook) 2715
499 – 4(2): Making Education a Priority (Sammurtok) 2717
500 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Hickes) 2719
501 – 4(2): Strategies to Address Reliance on Income Assistance (Angnakak) 2721
502 – 4(2): Status of New Cape Dorset Power Plant (Joanasie) 2722
503 – 4(2): Long-term Homelessness Strategy Action Plan (Hickes) 2723
149 – 4(2): 2013-2014 Minister’s Annual Report on Poverty Reduction (Ugyuk) 2725
150 – 4(2): Towards a Representative Public Service Statistics as of December 31, 2014 (Peterson) 2725
151 – 4(2): Printout of Signatories to Online Petition Concerning Investigation into the Death of Baby Makibi Akesuk (Joanasie) 2725
Bill 22 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2015-2016 – Consideration in Committee 2726
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, and Premier. Welcome.
Minister’s Statement 144 – 4(2): Nunavut Arctic College Nursing Accreditation (Quassa)
I am pleased to rise in the House today to update my fellow members about the recent review by the Registered Nurses Association of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut with respect to the accreditation of our Nursing Program.
Our Nursing Program has received a three-year extension to the 2017-18 academic year.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Nursing Program, developed collaboratively between Nunavut Arctic College and Dalhousie University, is a four-year program that focuses on nursing in Nunavut.
The degree is conferred by Dalhousie University.
Since the establishment of our Bachelor of Science in Arctic Nursing Program, 39 students have graduated, most of whom were hired by the Government of Nunavut.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, the program is designed to prepare graduates as entry-level practitioners to work in a variety of settings, to include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community-based agencies.
The curriculum emphasizes awareness and respect for Inuit culture and prepares nurses to be leaders in the health care system of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, education is the number one priority of our government.
Working together, in partnership with our institutional partners, we look forward to building on the strong foundations we have established to date.
Minister’s Statement 145 – 4(2): Davis Strait Polar Bear User-to-User Meeting (Mike)
Good day, Nunavummiut and residents of Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that officials from my department are attending the Davis Strait polar bear user-to-user meeting in Montreal from May 26 to 28.
This meeting brings together organizations and governments from across Nunavut, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.