EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I’m just wondering if he could indicate if they’ve determined what those other options are yet.
We have ongoing discussions on the Northern Strategy.
Everything that we have been able to put in there has been progressing, not to the extent that we would like to see it, so we’ll form it as a part of our Northern Strategy and make sure that it is addressed.
The Prime Minister has taken a lead role on the Northern Strategy, so I think that is something that we will be placing on the agenda as one of the items that is outstanding and will continue to be outstanding until we are treated like any other part of this country.
Would the Premier commit to requesting, when the fisheries minister comes to town in the near future, as he had indicated, if he would request that the minister meet specifically with the different interest groups involved with the fishing industry in Nunavut, aside from our government and NTI, but also the other groups that are involved in this as well.
I have asked my minister to go on a tour, maybe to one of the communities like Qikiqtarjuaq or Clyde River, and see the level of unemployment in those communities and the $50 million-plus shrimp fishery in their waters that they can take advantage of.
The minister should see first-hand what the decisions that they are carrying out have as effects in those communities and the possibility of having employment in those communities.
So, that is what I have asked my minister to do.
I think that once they see first-hand the effects that those decisions are having, they will open their eyes, and, hopefully, their ears to our situation.
The Member for Uqqummiut, Mr. Arreak.
Question 321 – 2(2): Wildlife Regulation Consultations
First of all I would like to thank the Premier for inviting his minister colleague to go to Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River.
In his minister’s statement in regard to the regulations in the Wildlife Act, he stated that they would start on July 9; that is only three months from now.
How are you going to notify the communities about to the regulations?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Once the translation of the regulations into Inuktitut is completed, they will be distributed to the HTOs and the RWOs for review.
This will happen prior to us arriving in their communities for the consultations.
They’ll have that information before the consultations.
We will also provide the draft regulations to the standing committee and they will deal with them in the months of April and May.
There are only three months left.
Since the drafting of the regulations is not completed, then you will notify the communities and consult with them at the same time as you are supposed to consult them, and that leaves very little time for the communities to have their input.
Does that mean you won’t provide any opportunity for the communities to make amendments or changes?
Yes, the regulations are being finalized, not just by the Government of Nunavut, we’re also working with the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and NTI.
We have been working together to complete the wildlife regulations.
There has also been an agreement to start consulting with the communities to get their input and clarify some of the issues that are raised by the communities.We will also make sure that we will include the requests made by the Inuit so as to reflect the needs of Nunavummiut.
Lastly, we will review all the regulations to make sure they are consistent with the Wildlife Act.
Question 322 – 2(2): Docking Facilities for Chesterfield Inlet Update
The people of Chesterfield Inlet have been asking for docking facilities for a number of years now.
Could the minister give us an update on this request from Chesterfield Inlet?
We have put in a request to the federal government and there will be a response shortly, from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
Our staff and the federal department have been working together and we have identified the seven communities that will be getting support.
I don’t know whether the minister is going to be approving this request or not, but we’ll keep the member informed.
The minister stated seven communities: is Chesterfield Inlet one of them?
Chesterfield Inlet is one of the communities.
The problem is we don’t know whether the minister is going to be approving this request.
Since there are seven communities that are being considered, which community is the minister supporting to have the facilities built?
I support all those seven communities that need the docks, but of course we won’t be able to do all the work in all seven communities at the same time.
We have to request the money from the federal government, and we don’t know how much money is going to be given to our government from them.
Speaker (interpretation): Final supplementary, Mr. Netser.
In Chesterfield Inlet, when the barge arrives, it can’t go right to the community because the shoreline is very shallow.
We would seriously like your department to consider Chesterfield Inlet because of those problems.
I don’t hear a question, but I agree with the member.
I have gone to Chesterfield Inlet in the summer a few times, and I know exactly what the problem is.
Question 323 – 2(2): Emergency Snow Clearing Fund
We hear that we should just wait because, of course, you are ministers.
Over this winter, there has been a change in the climate and we had some problems with the buildup of snow, Iqaluit especially.
Usually, the snow removal is done by private contractors, and usually in the municipal budget the largest chunk is snow clearing.
They have to keep the roads open because they have to go to the airport and there are emergency services that are there and there has to be pubic access.
But, the government doesn’t have an emergency pot of money.
There are some communities that might come into problems.
Is it possible to start up an emergency snow clearing fund, instead of just waiting for the minister?
Minister of Community and Government Services.
Because of the large piles of snow over this winter, we’ve been informed by the communities that they have been running into a lot of problems.
We see the request for support at the regional offices.
Over the winter it’s been a little different because a lot more of the communities have been asking for money from the regional offices.
We can review this and take it from there.
What I’m trying to say is that the government usually has contingency funds, and in the Kivalliq region they are in an emergency situation.
If there is another blizzard, then they won’t be able to clear the roads anymore.
There are even contractors who were stopped because the regional offices said they didn’t have any money anymore.
So, that’s putting those communities in an emergency situation and that is unacceptable.
There are medical emergencies that take place, and elders have to go from point A to point B. The government and your department will definitely have to do something about it, and these concerns are voiced to us over time.
I will look into the issue in the Kitikmeot, Kivalliq, and Baffin.
As I said earlier, we’ll see what has happened over this year and see if we need more funds, and I could direct this request to the cabinet.
My question, then, is even if you do get a request, with the mayor and the council, they usually hire private contractors and then the regional offices say that they have no more money, and then all work has to stop.
What happens in that case?
Could you involve this in part of your review?
When they run out of money, is it possible for them to make a request to you personally?
The hamlets in Nunavut deal with snow clearing.
Over this year, we have seen requests for additional dollars from two or three communities, and they have asked me directly.
We have been able to give them financial support, and as I stated, I will look into this issue and make sure that none of the communities are put in an emergency situation.
If there is, then we’ll deal with it directly.
Question 324 – 2(2): Size of Sealskin Pelts
This is a question that I brought up when we began the session, in regard to sealskins.
An individual from my community has stated that sealskin pelts that are too small or too large are returned to the community.
What size does the sealskin have to be in order to be sold at an auction?
What is the minimum or the maximum that a sealskin pelt has to be?
In regard to sealskins, the member previously wanted some information on how seals are sold at an auction.
At the time, I agreed to table our Sealskin Price Schedule and Manual in the House so that it will be made available to everyone.
This will explain to the public will learn how sealskins are bought and sold for the auctions.
I would like to thank him very much for that response.
My question was, what size does a seal pelt have to be?
What is the minimum and what is the maximum?
I don’t buy the sealskins personally, but everything will be identified in the information that I will be tabling.
The member’s question will be answered by the information included in there.
It will give you the details on how the sealskins are bought and how the whole process goes.
The minister said that he has got some information.
A lot of the people out there don’t read those documents.
The minister stated that he will be putting out the information, but my question, again, is what is the minimum and the maximum for sealskin pelts?
As I have said, I don’t have that type of information.
I don’t personally know what is the minimum and the maximum size.
I can assure the member that the information is available out there.
It is will be the same right across the board.
The information is available to everyone and each of the HTOs will be following the same policies and standards.
What about the sealskin pelts that have been scratched by polar bears or other predators?
Does that affect the price of the pelt?
When we look at the results of the auctions in North Bay we know that we used to sell pelts at $30 and now we’re selling pelts for an average price of $70.
At the auctions, the ones that fetched the highest price, the popular ones are the highest quality ones.
We would like to buy the best quality pelts because that is what sells at the auction.
We follow the standards of the auctions. We buy what is most popular.
As a government and as the Department of Environment, we would like to see good quality pelts coming in. The harvesters can help by carefully cleaning and handling the pelts.
Question 325 – 2(2): Number of Bidders on the Fuel Contract
My question is for the Minister Responsible for Petroleum Products.
Mr. Speaker, in a previous question during this sitting, I asked the minister about the savings that was projected and announced by the government, on how much it would save with the new fuel re-supply system and contracting practices that they have in place, if there was a difference between that amount of projected savings, at the time based on the new contract, which is a supply-only contract, and the previous contract, which was a purchase and supply contract.
I understand that since then the minister has indicated that the $20 million savings that was projected would be based on the cost we were paying in the final year of the previous contract, which was a buying contract, to what we are paying now for just the supply end of things.
Mr. Speaker, at that time it made a lot of people think that the previous contractor was charging $20 million more than it should have been, over three years, to supply that fuel.
I am just wondering if the minister could indicate how many people bid on that contract and then what was the difference in the pricing on it?
A very good question.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I don’t have the information my colleague is seeking in front of me; however, I will be open to reviewing this information with my colleague at an appropriate time.
When he is looking into it, can he also look into if they have figured out how much they are actually saving from previous years as well?
Yes, I could do that.
As I had indicated before, and something that everybody knows, is with the concerns that have been raised on delays of deliveries, fuel spills, and things like that, it reminds me of that old saying, “You get what you pay for”. I am just wondering if, given some of the things that have gone on over the last few years with the current supplier, the minister would commit to reviewing and evaluating whether or not... . Maybe we should be revisiting the whole contract and looking at putting it out again and evaluating and keeping in mind the fact that you get what you pay for.
As a matter of fact, the issues that had arisen over the last re-supply were scheduling, the number of spills, and… . Well, again, Mr. Speaker, we have dealt with some of these issues.
I will also add that Transport Canada has been involved very much in the inspection, investigation, of these spills and we are still waiting for their final report on the intent of the department of Transport Canada.
So, a lot of these issues have been dealt with, in regards to these spills, and I will also add that the scheduling of sealift and the number of boats which may be required to do a more timely re-supply are all being considered at this time.
Question 326 – 2(2): Rising Cost of Fuel
I, too, would like to address the Minister of Community and Government Services in regard to the fuel re-supply.
The world market is around $67 for light crude, and I feel that it probably is going to get higher.
The supply that’s going to be delivered to communities this summer, it looks like it will cost probably about half as much more as it did last year.
So, with the impact that we’re going to be experiencing, has that been examined, what it will do to our finances?
Looking at the world price of oil, the member is correct, there has been a concern because it’s been going higher and higher.
Looking at the rising price of oil, the PPD department is a little bit nervous.
PPD is aware of that, but what the impact is going to be in the North, we’re not really sure at this time, because we really don’t know what the price is going to be in the final stages.
So, as soon as we hear what’s happening with world oil prices, we will provide information to the members.
Well, consumers in the South are already experiencing higher prices, even in the Yukon, I believe they’re paying one dollar per liter, 99.9 cents a liter.
So, once the new supply is delivered, I’m sure it will be more than 99.9 cents per liter.
I wonder if the minister can meet with the Financial Management Board, because we know that Qulliq Energy Corporation receives funding, because we’re going to have be subsidized as residents and hunters.
Can you, at the beginning, meet with the Financial Management Board to deal with the rising cost of fuel oil?
Yes, my colleagues in the House and cabinet are keenly aware of the rising price of oil.
The public out there knows that it’s now $39 or $54 a barrel, and people have wondered if it’s only $39 per barrel, why we are spending a lot of money.
But, I just want to point out to the member that that is the price of oil before it is refined.
Mr. Speaker, I will continue to keep my colleagues updated on the changing prices and planning that we do in the purchase of the fuel supply.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I would like to thank the minister for saying that he’ll be meeting with the ministers.
There already is a subsidy in place with the Qulliq Energy Corporation, but the hunters and Nunavutmiut should be getting a subsidy as well.
Maybe if you could put $22 million into a subsidy for the hunters and the residents, it would be a great relief for the people that go out fishing and hunting.
I would like to inform the members of this House that, for example, the revolving fund didn’t have very much money.
It went down $1.6 million, but if we need to give a subsidy to Nunavuumiut, we will do so.
Can I say to the hunters and the residents of Nunavut that they would be able to get a subsidy when they’re purchasing petroleum products?
We would all like to say that, Mr. Speaker, but we’re not really sure what the real, true price will be at the end.
Because of that, it’s kind of hard to say, but I would like to inform the members that I will give them information as to what the communities will be expecting.
Committee Report 004 – 2(2): Recent Developments of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nunavut and the NWT
Mr. Speaker, I have the honour today of presenting a brief report by the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability on certain recent developments concerning the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
As Members of the House are aware, the Worker’s Compensation Board is shared between Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
This unique situation has, at times, created challenges with respect to coordinating such initiatives as amendments to each jurisdiction’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
During the First Legislative Assembly, the appropriate Standing Committees of each Assembly maintained open lines of communication with respect to proposed amendments to the statute.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, our Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability has oversight responsibility for the Worker’s Compensation Board.
When the next major amendments to the Act come forward, they will be referred to the Standing Committee for review.
I anticipate that the relevant Standing Committees of both legislatures will work together, to the appropriate extent, in scrutinizing the proposed legislation for the benefit of our constituents and communities.
Mr. Speaker, a motion was passed last week in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories calling for the Auditor General of Canada to undertake a performance audit on the Workers’ Compensation Board.
This motion was unanimously supported by the regular members of that House.
Members of the Standing Committee have received correspondence from Mr. Bill Braden, the Northwest Territories Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Great Slave.
At the appropriate time, I will table this letter in the House, and Mr. Braden moved the motion and it was successfully adopted.
In his correspondence, the member outlined his rationale for having moved the motion.
Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee has reviewed this issue and wishes to state, for the record, with support for this motion.
Mr. Speaker, while the Standing Committee recognizes that a number of the issues that are of concern to our counterparts in the Northwest Territories it may be specific to the operations in that jurisdiction.
Members are nonetheless of the view that this audit will likely result in information that will be of use to the governments and legislatures of both jurisdictions.
As mining development in Nunavut accelerates, Workers’ Compensation Board issues are likely to increase in prominence.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, there are ongoing concerns in Nunavut with respect to such issues as coverage for harvesters and carvers.
Mr. Speaker, I would anticipate that the next report of the Auditor General to this Legislative Assembly is considered by the Standing Committee.
Members will take the opportunity to urge the Office of the Auditor General to carefully examine the operations of the Workers’ Compensation Board as they relate to Nunavut.
Members are cognoscente of the need to ensure that Nunavut has a strong voice in the operations and governance of the Workers’ Compensation Board and look forward to monitoring this issue with attention.
Tabled Document 105 – 2(2): Letter from Bill Braden Regarding the Performance Audit of the Workers’ Compensation Board
I wish to table to the correspondence from the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Great Slave in the Northwest Territories with respect to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Speaker (interpretation): Please pass the documents to the Clerk.
Tabled Document 106 – 2(2): Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Annual Report for Year Ending March 31, 2004
Hon. David Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to table the following document: the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation Annual Report of the year-end March 31, 2004.
Tabled Document 107 – 2(2): Constituents Concerns on Bad Gasoline
I wish to table, I believe there are over 23 and still coming of the people whose machines, snowmobiles, outboard motors, ATVs, and cars whose machines have broken down.
I don’t know who to direct them to.
That’s why I am tabling it and the phone numbers are there.
Simon Kowmuk, October is the first one.
Motion 013 – 2(2): Referral of the 2004 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut to the Committee of the Whole
WHEREAS The 2004 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer was tabled on February 22, 2005;
AND WHEREAS Members are of the view that this is an important document which covers the groundwork of Elections Nunavut, accounts for the conduct of the 2nd general election, outlines the next steps for the organization and contains 27 recommendations by the Chief Electoral Officer;
AND WHEREAS the Second Session of the Second Legislative Assembly of Nunavut will reconvene on April 26, 2005;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that the annual report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Nunavut be referred to the Committee of the Whole and that the Chief Electoral Officer be invited to appear before the Committee of the Whole.
As I indicated in my motion the 2004 Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer is an important document which covers the groundwork for Elections Nunavut, accounts for the conduct of the 2nd general election, outlines the next steps for the organization and contains 27 recommendations by the Chief Electoral Officer;
The elections across Nunavut are important to democracy.
We need to carefully review any recommendations made by the Chief Electoral Officer as well as the general public on how elections are conducted in Nunavut and how they could be improved.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this motion and while we are at home for the month of April, I encourage all members to talk to their constituents about this issue so we can bring them back into the Committee of the Whole.
As the seconder of the motion I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak briefly to the motion before the House today.
Last year’s general election was the first to be held under the new Nunavut Elections Act.
As one of the 19 members of the Legislative Assembly I look forward to opportunity to raise some observations and suggestions to the Chief Electoral Officer who reports directly to this House.
This discussion will be an opportunity for members on both sides of the House to make positive contributions including the legislation.
Does the mover have final comments.
Motion 014 – 2(2): Extended Adjournment
Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik that, notwithstanding Rule 4, that when the House concludes this present sitting in Iqaluit, it shall be adjourned on April 26, 2005 and further, Mr. Speaker, that at any time prior to April 26, 2005, if you are satisfied as the Speaker of the House, after consultation with the Executive Council and the Members of the Legislative Assembly that the public interest requires that the House should meet in Iqaluit at an earlier time during adjournment, Mr. Speaker, which is you, may give notice and thereupon the House shall meet at the time stated in such notice and shall transact its business as it has been duly adjourned to that time. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Motion 015 – 2(2): Recommendation for Re-Allocation of $500,000 in Deleted Funding
WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly has reduced the 2005/06 main estimates of the Department of Community and Government Services by $500,000;
AND WHEREAS members are of the view that this funding should be reallocated to other areas of activity that benefit our community and constituents;
AND WHEREAS specific third party funding for training initiatives for volunteer search and rescue organizations was last provided in the 2001/02 main estimates;