EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
My last question: Why have they cut PYs in the wildlife management and the wildlife research budget?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I don’t think we have cut down any PYs from our department, and we’re even trying to increase our PYs because we have to do our very best job to make sure we represent Nunavummiut.
I don’t think we have cut down any jobs, on our PYs.
We’ve split the Department of Sustainable Development into two, and we took what we had to take. I believe we still need employees in our department.
I don’t think we ever cut down our PYs in the department.
You said there were no further questions.
We are on page I-5.
Environment branch summary. Management. Total, operations and maintenance, $3,348,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. I-7.
Program development.
Total, operations and maintenance, $10,800,000.
I wanted to make some comments about the sealing strategy.
I just want to ask the minister if that has been started, or whether it is just being considered.
There is a framework in place at this time, and it has been written.
We will begin that process, which includes fishing.
The framework is now completed.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.Yes, will there be consultations in the communities?
Did you use consultants, or did you use your own staff?
If you haven’t done so already, during the community consultations, are you going to be using consultants?
We’re not going to be using consultants but will be doing community consultations, although we’re not exactly sure which communities will be consulted.
We will be going to the communities during that process.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman and the minister.
I just want to say that I am in support of this process that your department will be dealing with.
A lot of people in Rankin Inlet have had some concerns because of the closure of the exporting of sealskins. It is a concern of ours, the people of Nunavut.
But it is very important for the people who use it as an economic development, not just because of the price but because there is assistance to the people selling sealskins.
I think one of them is $170,000 for a full package program.
What I wanted to say, too, is a few years ago, there were more people hunting seal when the price of sealskin was a lot more, but today, the price of sealskins is not very viable because there are not enough sealskin preparers.
When you are talking about the sealing strategy, I would like to ask if it is going to be a package. I think some of the communities do not really want to deal with orders to try to make money in regard to producing sealskins.
There should be a facility in the communities in partnership with some kind of a developing agency. That would be very good to help the people.
There are a lot of people taught out on the land, say for instance, the people who go to the outpost camps from the correctional facilities, who could do that.
There also are a lot of young people who want to learn to hunt and seal, but they do not get the opportunity to do that.
They could be taught in an area like this. Some of the hunters can teach young people to do all of those things, like their own tanning.
That has been my idea because we know that we are not going to make that much money just with sealskins.
We have to be able to have a facility in place for it to be sustainable.
I just wondered what the thoughts of the minister are on that issue.
I would like to thank the member for his suggestions on sealskin products for the people of Nunavut.
During the consultations, we will consider the comments made by the member, and it will all be included in the report.
We will have the suggestions made by the member on young people, including this suggestion of having a facility. I know that the people are not much into selling their sealskin products because of the low price of skins.
What we can do is to try to promote this sealskin production again to the people of Nunavut.
When we have that strategy that we are talking about, it would be good to include the member’s comments.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman I would like to thank the minister for his response.
It is going to be very easy to do the drafting with the strategy, but what I would like to say, what I understood is, selling sealskins itself cannot be viable or sustainable.
There have to be other things in place, like training young people and families.
We have to have a package program.
You cannot just start thinking you can do this, you can do that, but it should be put together to make it more viable and for them to make more money.
It would be a lot better for the people of Nunavut if the minister had the initiative to do so.
It is expected by the people of Nunavut.
I would like to thank the minister for considering my comments.
We will consider the comments of the member.
We would like to be able to try to help the people of Nunavut in any way we can in regard to economic development.
I myself, as a minister, will make sure those kinds of things and comments will be put in the strategy report.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I would like to ask another question of the minister.
Do you have some kind of an idea about polar bear sports hunting in Nunavut, since the time of the Northwest Territories, and now that we have Nunavut.
Do we have kind of an idea how many sports hunters come here to hunt polar bears yearly?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): In the communities, Hunters and Trappers usually reports to us and gives us an idea how many tags are going to be used for sport hunters and how many for other hunters.
In line with their quota, they write down how many are taken by sports hunters and how many are taken by regular hunters, so that we will know from their report.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Perhaps if you can include in your report or information item, and bring the information to the House, on how many tags were used for commercial purposes, and from which states, or wherever the sports hunters are coming from.
I would also like to hear about the caribou that sport hunters take and the number of sport hunters there are in a year.
I am sure that there are a few sport hunters that come up north to hunt commercially musk ox, polar bear, and caribou.
For the members of this House, I can have the data written down on how many caribou have been taken for commercial purposes, how many polar bears and caribou have been taken by sport hunters.
I could report that to the House.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Minister.
I think it would be very good information for the members of this House, and if possible, if the regulations were to be written down, so that the Americans are prohibited from hunting polar bears in the North.
Is there a possibility of doing that? .
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): It is up to members of the communities, according to the numbers of sports hunters. The hunters and trappers organizations have the data in place on how much sports hunting was done in each community and where those individuals come from.
It is a very good venture for the community, especially the hunters and trappers organizations, and they would lose out quite a bit of money if they were to ban or to stop the Americans from big-game hunting in the communities.
I think it would be best if we could hear from the communities themselves.
It is just my own view.
I do not think that we should really thank the Americans because they have banned some trade in regard to sealskins and ivory products, so we cannot send any of these products from here.
People, like outfitters and hunters, do not really gain too much from American sports hunters.
We would be a lot better off if we were able to send those products down to the States, but because now it is banned, I think we should just forget about the Americans. It is not really just them who are not assisting us.
I just want you to hear that.
I do not think we should feel sorry for the Americans.
We will consider the wish of the member or members because we would like to be able to sell sealskin products to the States.
I would like to ask the minister about parks.
In Cambridge Bay, we are trying to develop the Ovayok Park, and I noted on your business plan on page I-12 that your funds are decreasing by $241,000 over last year.
I am wondering if the minister could explain if the funding decrease will impact the completion of the Ovayok Park in Cambridge Bay this year.
The question that the member asks has to do with spending oney in the capital budget, but we will continue to develop products in the communities, outside the communities, in the surrounding communities.
We will have to develop them and to make sure that they continue for the benefit of the tourists who come to the community because those products are of great interest to the tourists.
We will continue to develop them.
I am not sure if that is in your capital fund.
We have a committee in Cambridge Bay that includes the elders, the hunters and trappers organization, the hamlet, and a number of other individuals and groups, and they were doing a lot of hard work over the last year-and-a-half.
Some concern was expressed to me earlier this year that the department might be running out of money, and this work would be left uncompleted.
That park is something that has been on the books for 15 to 20 years, and the folks are hoping that it will be completed this year.
To date, in our business plan, it states that we will be working on this.
Perhaps we’ll complete it. We’re not going to just neglect it.
We just want to deal with it properly.
We are committed to completing it and to completing the park near Cambridge Bay by working with the community.
It is good to hear that the minister is committed.
I want to touch on environmental protection now.
During the meeting last month or in April in the regular member caucus, I raised the issue of the department working with hamlets completing an environmental inventory of contaminated areas, or environmentally dangerous areas, within the community. I’m wondering if all 25 or 26 communities in Nunavut are having similar problems.
A few years ago, the mayors identified that it would probably cost $30- 35,000 just to have that work done per community.
I wonder how the minister’s department would work with the community to get that important work completed and possibly keep the cost down.
Yes, we have been reviewing all the communities, or the majority of the communities, if not all of them, to find out what kind of work has been done on environmental assessment.
We’re assessing the communities to find out whether there are contaminants in the communities.
Once all of the communities have been assessed, then the next step will be to figure out how to clean up the contaminants in the communities.
We’ll then have to make funding requirements and budget them.
That is what we have agreed to, but first of all we must complete the assessment of the contaminants in all the communities before figuring out the financing of cleaning up the contaminants in all the communities of Nunavut.
Once the assessment is done, then we’re going to the next step.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It’s good to hear that you are making that a priority, and I hope you will involve the hamlets because they make it a priority as well.
My second question on environmental protection relates to a comment in your business plan on page I-11. It refers to orphaned sites owned and managed by the Government of Nunavut.
I wonder if you could describe to us what you meant when you mentioned orphaned sites owned and managed by the Government of Nunavut.
There, in our business plans, we’ve also listed the contaminated sites, and we will work on them with the Nunavut government because some members of the Legislative Assembly have had concerns in regard to contaminated sites.
These will fall under Nunavut’s responsibilities.
No matter where they are, the Nunavut government will work to clean up all the contaminated areas.
If it is the federal government that contaminated the sites, we are responsible for cleaning them, although we do want complete responsibility.
We raised that issue of orphaned dump sites.
In Cambridge Bay, we had identified three orphaned dump sites, and on one particular orphaned dump site, we eventually were successful in getting some funds from Environment Canada.
They put us through hoops and hurdles and red tape, and they wanted us to identify who used the orphaned dumpsites over the last 40-50 years.
It’s very difficult, as you can appreciate, for us to do that.
But eventually they did give us some funding.
It is a huge job to access money from the federal government to clean up orphaned dumpsites when we don’t know who the previous owners or the people who dumped on those sites were. The hamlets need some help from the government.
Maybe at a ministerial or Premier level, you should talk to the federal government officials and tell them that municipal bodies just don’t have the capacity to identify who the owners were, who used the orphaned dumpsites within their municipal boundaries over the last 40-50-60 years.
I wanted to offer that comment, that it’s going to be a difficult job.
There are some very messy sites around our communities.
That was the comment, Mr. Chairman.
My last question is on wildlife management related to hunters and trappers organizations.
As the minister indicates on I-9, HTOs get $317,000.
I want to ask the minister about hunters and trappers organizations that have business arms which take sports hunters and other adventure type folks out on the land.
Sometimes, accidents happen, and I’m wondering if the business arm takes people out and an accident happens and someone gets injured or killed, is there a liability to the hunters and trappers organizations there because they are the parent organization of the business arm?
Hon. Olayok Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We give $317,000 to the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, so that they can distribute it on behalf of the government.
They put more money in than we do to the hunters and trappers organizations, and I believe each HTO gets about $10-12,000 from this pot. The individual’s insurance would cover the injuries or accidents.
Is the minister aware of any cases in Nunavut where the business arms of hunters and trappers organizations are being sued by families or businesses related to accidents that occurred in Nunavut?
We’re not aware of any lawsuits like that.
The last incident that I remember was covered by WCB.
My question was touched upon by other members here, but I do want to ask a few other questions in regard to memorandums of understanding.
It’s been dealt with for quite some time now, and I’ve also been involved in dealing with MOUs. I’ve been the chair of the town with the HTO.
We’ve been dealing with this MOU for a long time.
Perhaps the minister would know whether the population of polar bears is increasing or fluctuating.
The polar bear population is increasing according to the reports of the communities; we have committed to using Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and recognize the fact that the population of polar bears is on the rise.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the response.
I am sure the public is very interested in hearing it.
The reason I asked this question is in regard to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, the knowledge of the Inuit.
They state that they have noticed that the polar bear population is increasing.
Many people keep stating that the polar bear population is increasing.
The polar bear biologists could not believe Inuit people, and yet cases of nuisance bears are increasing.
One of the reasons given is the climate change, which is causing bears to go into the community.
In all of the communities of Nunavut, the communities have been complaining about nuisance bears increasing.
This is just a comment, but since it is evident now that all of the communities in Nunavut report increased polar bear populations, will you be increasing the polar bear quota in all of the communities?
Yes, and I am sure the quota will increase in some communities, but we have not put the figure in for the number of polar bears.
I am sure that there is going to be an increase in the polar bear quota, but we still do not know the figure as yet.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you for the response. It is very interesting to hear.
I will ask my last question on another topic: lakes.
They are very beneficial to seal hunters, especially to the elders.
During the summer, when they start seal hunting, there is a lot of potential for economic ventures.
Do you have any idea whether the price of sealskins is going to go down or not?
We have to wait until the microphone is turned on, even though we want to respond right away.
The price of sealskins varies at the auction annually.
We purchase the sealskins from the hunters.
When we purchase the sealskin from you, we give you a $50 to $60 dollar advance. Then it is sent down to the North Bay auction to be sold.
The average is between $40 and $60 per skin.
The price of sealskin fluctuates annually.
I have stated to Mr. Curley that we want to do some guidelines on sealing and fishing, but in regard to sealskin, personally, I will work hard to promote sealskins, the marketing of sealskin, and the prices that follow the auction price.
Before we go to Mr. Evyagotailak, I would like to recognize an elder from Pangnirtung, Joanasie Manniapik, who is in the gallery.
He is the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit person for Peter Kilabuk.
Thank you. Mr. Evyagotailak.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Evyagotailak.
Like the minister said, sometimes we have to wait for the light to go on before we say anything.
On fisheries, I would like to ask a question.
A lot of us are from close to the coast.
We love seafood.
The Newfoundlander Minister of Education probably likes seafood too.
What effort is the minister going to be making to lobby the federal government for funding for a test fishery?
Under this review by our department, and as I said earlier, we are looking at setting some money aside for fisheries.
We have accessed $1.8 million from the federal government that would be used for a fisheries program.
My next question will be on the Kugluktuk and the Pangnirtung test fisheries.
Before I ask this question, I would like to let your deputy know that the name of Kugluktuk is not Kugluktuuk.
It is Kugluktuk. They named it for the falls there.
What is the next step for the Kugluktuk and Pangnirtung test fisheries?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: We are going to be working on this further.
The results were positive in regard to quantity of of cod, crab, and flounder being found, so it looks pretty promising right now.
We are going to do a test fishery in the Coronation Gulf region, which I think is pretty good.
I think that my colleague, Mr. Kilabuk, is very happy that you asked that question because we are always doing our very best to bring up fisheries in Pangnirtung, where it is pretty successful. I believe we will continue to support the fisheries in Nunavut in order to help out our economy for the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Evyagotailak: Thank you.
Thanks for answering that question.
On conservation and park areas, I know that some of the regions are still negotiating on the IIBA.
What exactly is the park program and testing plans?
In order to complete the negotiations, we have completed the IIBAs and are going to be working with the communities to conclude the IIBAs under tourism.
We would like to conclude them for those communities affected.
How much will the Impact Benefits Agreement cost the government?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: We still don’t have the fees , but once we finish the IIBA agreement with the respective communities or organizations, we’ll find out.
I think the money will also be coming from NTI or NFCA, so I think it is important for us to finish IIBAs and make sure that we benefit the Inuit affected by the IIBA.
Does the delay time on IIBAs have any impacts on the development of the park?
I’m sure that it will have an effect on the communities.
We don’t know exactly what type of effect it will have, but I think that it will be better to take it slowly instead of trying to rush through and get them signed.
I know it will have a financial impact, but we will want to have a good agreement.
Mr. Chairman, another question here.
When will the negotiations be completed, and also when will those IIBAs be signed?
We don’t have the dates or the year that we’re going to be finishing these, although it will be several more years, but we will certainly be working on our IIBAs to make sure that we finish them sooner than later.
What impact does the lack of IIBA have on conservation areas?
I think it is very important that we work with the communities affected on conservation areas because they are the people who know more about the impacts of the conservation areas not signing the IIBAs.
I believe that the best way to answer your question is to tell you that that we must work closely with the communities in order for us to have conservation noted and not forgotten. We’re very careful with that.
Yes, I would like to be present at the signing of IIBA in the Kitikmeot area because I was a board member of KIA when the negotiations started, and I would like to be notified when the time will be.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I certainly hope the MLAs for Kitikmeot invite me to the signing so that we’ll be happy with the IIBA.
We are on page I-7.
Total, operations and maintenance, $10,863,000.
For information, the following pages after page I-12 are information items.
I-15.
We will go back to page I-1.
The floor is open at this time.
Back to page I-4.
It is like we are playing bingo; whether Peter would be a good bingo caller, I do not know.
Environment department summary.
Total, operations and maintenance, $14,211,000.
Chairman: Does the committee agree the Department of Environment is concluded?
Chairman(interpretation): Thank you.
If you have closing remarks, the floor is yours, Mr. Minister.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for posing those questions.
I would also like to thank my officials for being here with me.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Simon Awa and Trevor Jarrett for appearing before the committee.
Now, I would like to ask the Minister of Human Resources, Mr. Tapardjuk, to make his opening remarks.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good day.
I am pleased today to present the 2004-05 main estimates and business plan of the Department of Human Resources.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Human Resources has been allocated a budget of $18.1 million.
We have a compliment of 85.5 staff, including 14 interim management in various positions.
To fulfill our obligations to Pinasuaqtavut, the Inuit Employment Plan will continue to be our main priority.
The plan incorporates guiding principles of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and all divisions of the human resources department will continue to focus initiatives and programs on its implementation.
The Government of Nunavut Employment Division will coordinate and monitor the plan’s implementation across the government.
We will work with all departments on the numerical targets and communicate broadly about the plan’s objectives.
Staffing will strengthen outreach to Inuit by conducting job fairs, résumé writing and interview clinics with a regular review of hiring policies.
Mr. Chairman, the training and development division will conduct a training study to review the government’s investment in training and development with a view to increasing learning and development programs.
The job evaluation division will continue its audit of job descriptions to eliminate artificial barriers and will include knowledge of Inuit culture and, where possible, the Inuit language in government positions.
Mr. Chairman, to further reflect the government’s commitment to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, we will be working with the Nunavut Employee’s Union and Tuttaqvik to develop a dispute resolution model that reflects Inuit cultural values.
Human Resources with the Department of Finance will implement the human resources component of the human resources information and payroll systems.
The new system will assist us in our progress towards a representative public service.