EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Yes, as I have indicated, we will provide that clarification to CGS.
I will also provide the instruction to my staff to make sure that if we have contracts, they identify what community the contract is at so that it’s not misleading the members and if it’s not in the Nunavut territory.
I take that it’s noted that if a consultant is from outside the territory, the address of the consultant will be identified and whatnot. So I think that’s pretty clear.
Mr. Arvaluk: I don’t have any problems there on the part of the government. A contract which has nothing to do with health but contract 1422, Heavy Equipment Operator Training, it says southern Canada.
Although the vendor is located in Ontario, it simply says southern Canada.
There is inconsistency of locations and things like that.
So it would be nice to have… we know where Ontario is. Southern Canada is pretty big, so I think that identifying the area would be a good idea. (interpretation) Thank you.
Chairman: Very good, I just heard a comment.
Are there any other comments on health?
I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions here in regard to health.
Keeping the time in mind, I will try to keep my questions short and if need be, I would like some time to continue on with further questions if we are not with the department.
In regard to procurement activities, the government’s most recent annual report on procurement activities indicates that your department awarded a $210,000 sole source contract to an entity named Mainiqsijiit for “counselling services.”
What specific counselling services did this entity provide to your department?
Perhaps if the contract number can be provided, Alex can provide a response.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Curley. (interpretation ends) The number is C1461. I repeat, C1461.
Is there a bingo yet?
C1461.
Okay, there is a bingo. Mr. Campbell.
I’m going to have to get that information on that particular contract, Mr. Chairman, and get that information back to the member.
I appreciate the response. As well, I look forward to that response.
I do have a couple of questions if time permits. I want to clarify, Mr. Chairman, if there was a specific question asked of agency nurses before I continue on so that I don’t repeat a question that a member may have asked.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) No, there were general comments addressed towards agency nurses, but I didn’t hear a specific question on that matter.
I apologize to the Chair as well as the witnesses for not providing that contract for the last statement.
I do have a question that is not listed in the activities.
The question is: the 2007-08 annual report in the activities indicated that the department awarded over $3.4 million in contracts for agency nurses.
However, the government’s 2008-09 annual report does not contain any information on expenditures for agency nurses.
I had asked a written question last year in the House and a written reply was provided, but I want to ask as a formality in the House, for the record: did the Department of Health and Social Services spend any money on agency nurses in 2008-09?
Chairman: Maybe they stopped because they’re not listed anymore.
Mr. Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the member on that question.
Yes, definitely we did incur some costs related to agency nurses in this particular year. I am not certain why it is not reflected as the contract providers on this listing here.
Again, I can provide that information on the listing of those contracts.
I can also suggest that we did do an RFP in that year to the interested proponents to provide their fees and services that they would provide as well.
So there are about eight of these agency contractors that are on our standing offer agreement. If nothing else, they should be appearing on the contract list that was tendered out.
At this time, I will only have one more question with respect to the time. This is an inconsistency with agency nurses.
Earlier this year, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated released a report on the recruitment and retention of Inuit nurses in Nunavut. With the opening comments, I had mentioned as well that there needed to be some indeterminate positions being filled and how sensitive it is under Health and Social Services as well as health care.
With this report, I wanted to ask if this report was prepared by Aarluk Consulting. Has your department also used Aarluk Consulting to review the issue of recruitment and retention of nurses?
The report that was tabled by NTI was a report that they received federal funding on. We did participate on the steering committee in preparation of that report, but at the end of the day, NTI owns the report and they contract that report to a certain provider.
To my knowledge, we haven’t used Aarluk Consulting particularly on evaluating and analyzing the agency nurse contracts nor the recruitment of nurses.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Mr. Aupaluktuq.
I also thank the witness there as well for providing that information.
I do have some further questions in regard to telehealth, but in the meantime, I will concur them for another time with respect to the time.
Are you wanting to move to report progress? Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Yes, Sir, I would like to report progress.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) There is a motion on the floor to conclude this for the day and it’s not debatable. To the motion.
(interpretation) Thank you, Minister Curley and Mr. Campbell.
Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can escort Mr. Campbell out. We will continue our meeting tomorrow.
(interpretation ends) Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22.
A reminder of meetings for tomorrow, there is a meeting of the Full Caucus at nine o’clock in the Nanuq Room, followed by a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation at eleven o’clock in the same room.
Motion 23 – 3(2)
This House stands adjourned until Thursday, June 3, at 1:30 p.m.
Jeannie Ugyuk
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Pages 2090 – 2151
Opening Prayer 2090
Ministers’ Statements 2090
Members’ Statements 2093
Returns to Oral Questions 2099
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2099
Oral Questions 2099
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 2116
Tabling of Documents 2116
First Reading of Bills 2117
Second Reading of Bills 2119
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2120
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2150
Orders of the Day 2150
Thursday, June 3, 2010 2090
157 – 3(2): High Arctic Transportation Study (Taptuna) 2090
158 – 3(2): Nursing Graduates (Curley) 2091
159 – 3(2): Piqqusilirivvik Staff and Student Recruitment (Tapardjuk) 2092
160 – 3(2): Iqaluit Electrical Distribution Upgrade (Tootoo) 2092
237 – 3(2): Issues with Essential Services in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 2093
238 – 3(2): Baker Lake Youth Activities (Aupaluktuq) 2094
239 – 3(2): Arrival of Yet another Grandchild (Tapardjuk) 2095
240 – 3(2): Appreciation to Kitnuna (Ugyuk) 2095
241 – 3(2): Additional Support for a New Senior School in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 2095
242 – 3(2): Establishing a Disabilities Portfolio within Nunavut’s Government (Elliott) 2096
243 – 3(2): Remembering Nellie Atsainaq Kilabuk (Komoartok) 2097
244 – 3(2): High Arctic Residents Oppose Seismic Testing in Lancaster Sound (Arvaluk) 2098
245 – 3(2): Thank You for Country Food (Okalik) 2098
Return to Oral Question 348 – 3(2): Mentoring Program for NTEP Graduates (Tapardjuk) 2099
370 – 3(2): Appeals Process (Ningark) 2099
371 – 3(2): Seismic Testing in Lancaster Sound (Arvaluk) 2100
372 – 3(2): Improvements to Iqaluit Breakwater (Okalik) 2102
373 – 3(2): Additional Conservation Officer for Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 2104
374 – 3(2): Community Concerns about Seismic Testing in Lancaster Sound (Elliott) 2105
375 – 3(2): Appointment of New Fire Marshal (Schell) 2106
376 – 3(2): Nursing Program Students (Okalik) 2108
377 – 3(2): Plans for Old Health Centre in Pangnirtung (Komoartok) 2109
378 – 3(2): Artificial Ice Plant Study for Arenas (Ningeongan) 2111
379 – 3(2): Labour Cost of Nunavut Housing Trust (Elliott) 2112
380 – 3(2): Inuit Artefact Repatriation from Norway (Ugyuk) 2115
009 – 3(2): Bill 27, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act (Okalik) 2116
162 – 3(2): Designating a Ministerial Portfolio to Support Persons with Disabilities (Elliott) 2116
163 – 3(2): Additional Support for a New Senior School in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan) 2116
164 – 3(2): Department of Health and Social Services’ Response to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated’s Report on the Recruitment and Retention of Inuit Nurses in Nunavut (Curley) 2117
066 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Lease Activity Report – Consideration in Committee 2128
099 – 3(2): Contract Activity Report 2008-09 – Consideration in Committee 2128
100 – 3(2): Procurement Activity Report 2008-09 – Consideration in Committee 2128
Bill 33 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – First Reading 2117
Bill 34 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – First Reading 2117
Bill 28 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2010-2011 – First Reading 2117
Bill 29 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2010-2011 – First Reading 2118
Bill 30 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2010-2011 – First Reading 2118
Bill 31 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2010-2011 – First Reading 2118
Bill 32 – Forgiveness of Debts Act, 2010 – First Reading 2118
Bill 36 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, No. 2, 2010 – First Reading 2119
Bill 28 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 1, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 2119
Bill 29 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 2119
Bill 30 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 2119
Bill 31 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 2, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 2120
Bill 27 – An Act to Amend the Workers Compensation Act – Consideration in Committee 2120
Before we proceed with our orders of the day, I would like to ask Mr. Curley to say the opening prayer.
Good afternoon, Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and Nunavummiut. I send my regards to the people of Clyde River.
Minister’s Statement 157 – 3(2): High Arctic Transportation Study (Taptuna)
Good afternoon to all of my colleagues, Nunavummiut, and especially Kugluktuk.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity to rise today before the Members of this House to inform them of a study my department has been undertaking this past year on the high cost of travel and transportation in our most northern communities.
The study, which is substantially complete, details the challenges the people of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay face in their everyday lives. It looks at how these issues are being addressed in other regions of the world with similar issues and provides options on how our government and the Government of Canada can work together to address the situation.
Mr. Speaker, we began this process with a trip to the High Arctic to hear first-hand about the issues of the region.
We met with people and consulted in each of the three communities of Quttiktuq.
During those meetings, we committed to a return visit to share the results of the study.
I am therefore pleased, Mr. Speaker, to inform the Members of this House that we are ready to return to the High Arctic communities with those results and we are scheduling our return trip for the middle of July.
I look forward to an enthusiastic discussion on the recommendations of The High Arctic Travel & Transportation Study and expect the same level of thoughtfulness and insight we found on our first trip up there. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 158 – 3(2): Nursing Graduates (Curley)
I am very pleased to announce that all five of the fourth year Nunavut Arctic College nursing students have completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.
Of the five graduates, two are beneficiaries.
The new graduates will be able to write the Canadian Registered Nurses Exam.
Upon completion of the Canadian Registered Nurses Exam, nurses are qualified to work in a variety of Nunavut health care settings, including hospitals, community health centres, home care, public health, continuing care centres, and birthing centres.
Mr. Speaker, nursing positions in Nunavut have been challenging to fill, but through our Nursing Education Program, the number of Nunavutmiut employed in nursing continues to grow.
Each Nunavut nursing graduate serves as a role model in their community and inspires other Nunavutmiut in choosing nursing as a career.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services is committed to employing Nunavutmiut who have successfully completed the program and obtained a registered nursing licence.
Four of this year’s graduates will be working at the Qikiqtani General Hospital, while the fifth is looking at an alternative nursing position in the territory.
Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, as part of the employment process and to help these graduates succeed, they will be mentored for 4 to 12 months, depending on their job assignment.
Further, Mr. Speaker, there have now been a total of 28 graduates from the Nursing Education Program and 12 of these graduates are beneficiaries.
Mr. Speaker, I would ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the following nursing graduates on their hard work and success.
By the way, Mr. Speaker, they are sitting behind me here. The first is:
Amanda Hatch
Ericka Mitchell
Parniga Thibaudeau
Harriett White
Nancy Zurhiede
If I didn’t pronounce it right, my apologies.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the contributions of the Nursing Program instructors for all of their dedication and all of the individuals who have supported the students in their learning experience.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates and best of luck to each of you in your new and rewarding careers.
We congratulate all graduates. (interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 159 – 3(2): Piqqusilirivvik Staff and Student Recruitment (Tapardjuk)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give an update on the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural Facility that will be offering programs to help pass cultural traditions, skills, and knowledge to future generations.
Many years of background work on programming and the more recent construction have the facility’s scheduled completion in April 2011 and Mr. Speaker, scheduled opening for August 2011. It’s not this coming August but next August in 2011, so wait for a bit.
I am pleased to announce that Jonathan Palluq, originally from Clyde River, has been selected as the Director of Piqqusilirivvik.
Jonathan was raised in camps between Clyde River and Pond Inlet and brings strong knowledge of the land and traditional skills to this new position.
He will commit his energies to finalizing the development and commencing operations of the facility.
I would like to welcome Jonathan, Mr. Speaker.
Following the timeline of the Piqqusilirivvik Status Report (March 2008) supported by its operating budget, other required staffing positions will be filled throughout 2010-11 through the GN-HR staffing process.
Positions will be filled in 2010-11 include: finance manager; finance officer; manager of curriculum development; instructor, Clyde River; coordinator, Igloolik; coordinator, Baker Lake.
The remaining seven positions will be staffed in 2011-12.
Mr. Speaker, once Piqqusilirivvik staffing is completed, students will be invited to apply from all communities of Nunavut.
The selection process will ensure a fair representation of communities, age groups, men and women.
Mr. Speaker, the initial application criteria will be a minimum age of 18, the ability to take instruction in Inuktitut, demonstrated interest in learning Inuit land and life skills, and strong support from the home community.
In the event that more students apply than the 26 places available, a waiting list will be maintained so that they will be eligible or show their interest once again.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to providing my colleagues with further updates as this exciting initiative moves forward.
Minister’s Statement 160 – 3(2): Iqaluit Electrical Distribution Upgrade (Tootoo)
I stand before the House today to inform my colleagues here in the Assembly about a major capital upgrade to Iqaluit’s electrical distribution system.
This upgrade, from the current 5 kV distribution system to a 25 kV system will not only provide stable, cost-effective, safe, and reliable electrical service to support the growth of Iqaluit well into the next 35 years, it will also reduce operating costs and system line losses while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr. Speaker, this translates into improved power quality for the corporations’ residential and commercial customers, as well as to shorter down times during planned and unplanned outages.
This falls in line with the corporate mission to supply safe, reliable, and efficient energy through responsive and respectful interaction with all stakeholders.
The 25 kV system upgrade supports the Government of Nunavut’s plan to provide more residential and service-based infrastructure and in the private sector, to meet the growing needs of Iqaluit’s neighbourhoods and commercial infrastructure being erected each year.
Mr. Speaker, because of the estimated size of this project, I sought the advice of the Utility Rates Review Council that, in turn, provided me with a report recommending that this project proceed as planned.
Upon reviewing the report from the URRC, I approved this project on May 5 of this year.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation has already submitted tenders for certain phases of the project.
The corporation has also assured me that a communications plan has been developed in order to keep the affected customers as well as the community of Iqaluit fully informed in advance of any scheduled [disruptions] during this project.
Mr. Speaker, the 25 kV system upgrade is a fine example of the power of forward planning and forecasting as the Qulliq Energy Corporation improves its ability to grow with Iqaluit and Nunavut as our territory develops over the next few decades.
Member’s Statement 237 – 3(2): Issues with Essential Services in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I rise today to bring attention to the fact that many of my constituents in Sanikiluaq are having major problems obtaining a driver’s licence and/or a general identification card.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, government issued photo identifications are essential for daily activities, such as driving and travelling.
I believe that this government should be able to provide essential services to the people of Nunavut in a timely and efficient manner.
Taking many months for this service is unacceptable.
Mr. Speaker, it’s my duty as a Member of the Legislative Assembly to draw attention to issues that face my constituents and hold the government accountable if essential services are not being delivered.
Mr. Speaker, it seems that driver’s licences and IDs being issued come up far too often throughout Nunavut. So I call on the Department of Economic Development and Transportation to ensure that this essential service for the people of Nunavut is, in fact, being delivered properly and if it is not, to correct the situation as soon as possible.
Member’s Statement 238 – 3(2): Baker Lake Youth Activities (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today again to congratulate education in the community of Baker Lake.
Baker Lake is very proud of our students and youth, with the help of the principal, Bill Cooper, who has instilled pride and responsibility to all students with the support of teachers, teachers’ aids, the Baker Lake District Education Authority, parents, guardians, and most all, volunteers.
I am very proud to announce and share with Nunavut that Ms. Paula Piryuaq has been accepted to the Nunavut Sivuniksavut Training Program in Ottawa.
Trent Aksawnee has been accepted to the Canada World Youth Program.
The high school, Jonah Amitnaaq, in Baker Lake had recent elections.
It is good to see that our future leaders are being taught the system of governance. Mr. Arnold Arngna’naaq is elected as president, Alannah Ikinilik is elected as vice-president, and Theresa Alyward is secretary-treasurer.
With that, the idea of having education is also being able to leave home, Mr. Speaker, and I give great encouragement to these students who are going through Nunavut Youth Abroad: Paula Piryuaq, Donovan Nagyougalik, Tammy Kinnowatner, Alma Itkilik, and alternate Alannah Ikinilik will be going through the Africa phase for the Canada World Youth tour.
The other one through the Canadian phase, Mr. Speaker, are: Trina Qaqqaq, Rene Pudnak, and alternates are: Malachi Kashla, Adrienne Iyago, and Rahabi Ango’yuaq.
As well, Mr. Speaker, Baker Lake hosted a bunch of students from Calvin Park School in Kingston, Ontario. There was an exchange trip coordinated by Denise Cooper. The students giving feedback have said that it was a real eye-opener for youth to see what the world is like outside of our region.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, this may be a bit late, but in the 2010 Skills Competition, Baker Lake took great pride in Mr. Kent dePuter receiving a gold, Rene Pudnak a silver, Surya Angaktaarjuaq a bronze, Trina Qaqqaq a bronze, Eric Perkison a bronze, Bobby Tagoona a silver, and Jay Uqayuittuq.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to show that two grade 8 students were recognized as having academic achievements; Amiq Nateela and Glen Ullyot.
With that, I want to give congratulations and thanks to Nunavut for providing the infrastructure. It gives me great pride to stand up here in front of you and my colleagues to share the joys of education.
Member’s Statement 239 – 3(2): Arrival of Yet another Grandchild (Tapardjuk)
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my constituents as well. Although they may be watching on TV, the audio is not working, but I believe they’re working on that.
Be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, I rise today because on June 1, the day before, I heard that I had got a grandchild who was born on June 1 and I wasn’t informed until yesterday. I want to celebrate that with my colleagues.
I don’t really want to say how many grandchildren I have as there are too many now. However, I wanted to celebrate the birth of a new grandchild.
He will be adopted as well as with their older sibling. This child will be adopted out, but I want to thank my child and their husband. I think a lot of us don’t want to get older, but every time I have a grandchild, it makes me feel older.
Even though that child may not know who his grandfather is, I want him to know because the name is Destiny Rose and the last name will be Tanuyak. I also want to celebrate Lucie for becoming another grandmother and I celebrate with the parents.
I know that you will not be keeping this child, but again, you are assisting in populating Nunavut, so I wanted to celebrate with my colleagues.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tapardjuk. Members’ Statements. Member for Nattilik, Ms. Ugyuk.
Member’s Statement 240 – 3(2): Appreciation to Kitnuna (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Taloyoak, Kitnuna has undertaken construction.
They have started interviewing quite a number of people in our community to work there. There are not that many jobs in smaller communities, so I really thank Kitnuna for interviewing possible workers for our airstrip. They will be resurfacing the airstrip in Taloyoak and the lake perimeter will be worked on as well.
So I am extremely grateful to Kitnuna for interviewing people from my community for possible jobs in the summer.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. Members’ Statements. Member for Nanulik, Mr. Ningeongan.
Member’s Statement 241 – 3(2): Additional Support for a New Senior School in Coral Harbour (Ningeongan)
I rise today to bring forward new information for the government’s consideration in planning for a new senior school in Coral Harbour.
Mr. Speaker, I recognize that we are in June, the summer construction season is getting underway, and future planning is far from many people’s minds.