EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
From the information that I’m receiving, it is used for salaries and travel. That’s why you see the difference in there.
Its $14 million worth of travel is quite expensive, but are you saying that...looking at the projected deficit 2006-07 of $17,369,000, of course, previous year’s had $4.5 million and so on, and surplus of $2,081,000 in 2004-05.
I just wondered: how are we going to deal with this $17 million deficit projected for 2006-07?
The government does recognize the impact of fuel price increases on individuals, business, and the public sector, and tries to keep the increase as low as possible.
We did this by providing additional appropriations for the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund.
This has the same impact as providing a general subsidy for fuel costs to all consumers.
In 2005-06 the Government of Nunavut will contribute $50 million to the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund.
This will be done through a supplementary appropriation to be introduced in this session.
I think we’re going to continue. (interpretation ends) It stated that the revolving $110 million authorized by the House, and looking at the actual expenditures, the cost of goods sold at $133,139,000.
This is $23 million more than the revolving fund can hold.
I wonder minister, are you proposing to get further authorization from the House to increase the revolving fund for 2007-08, because it’s kind of late now to try and get approval from the House.
And I thank the member for asking that.
Yes, we will likely require an increase over the next year.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) My apologies, I have to make some arrangements here.
We’re still under questions.
Mr. Peterson was next on the list.
I just wanted to follow up on my colleagues question on the Petroleum Products Revolving Fund.
Does the minister plan to introduce legislation to increase the authorized limit for the fund?
Not until we know for the coming year.
We don’t know the costs, so we’ll have to wait until all the information has been gathered.
Can the minister indicate whether or not Nunavummiut will be looking at paying for another increase in fuel costs this year?
As we had increased the fuel prices in the fall, we don’t know until the next purchase.
We just don’t seem to have control over the high cost of fuel, especially crude oil.
In 2003, for example, it was $26 U.S. a barrel.
Crude prices have steadily increased to an average of $40 U.S. per barrel in 2004 to $60 U.S. per barrel in 2005 due to inclement weather in the Gulf of Mexico and the continuation of the armed conflict in the Middle East, the price of crude oil is just going up.
So there are things that we don’t have control over.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Now, where was I?
Mr. Peterson, I’m sorry. Are you finished?
I don’t think there are any more questions on that page.
Chairman (interpretation): Go ahead, Mr. Barnabas.
Committee Motion 006 – 2(3): Fair Allocation of New Deal for Cities and Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund to Non-Decentralized Communities (Barnabas)
I move that this committee recommend that the Government of Nunavut’s process for determining projects that will be funded under the New Deal for Cities and Communities and the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund be developed in a manner that recognizes that 14 out of 25, or 56 percent, of Nunavut’s communities are non-decentralized; and that less than 25 percent of the GN’s 2006-07 capital budget is allocated specifically to projects in non-decentralized communities; and that a fair allocation means that at least 50 cents of every dollar allocated under these initiatives be used for projects in non-decentralized communities.
Before I proceed with debate on the motion, I have a few comments to make as to procedures.
The mover of the motion speaks first. The mover of the motion has the right to the last reply, which closes the debate.
To the motion, Mr. Barnabas.
Mr. Barnabas: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This government has constantly voiced its support for non-decentralized communities.
However, the perception exists that the government is not doing enough to support those communities.
Mr. Chairman, non-decentralized communities are the backbone of Nunavut.
For example, my High Arctic constituency is essential to supporting Canada’s arctic sovereignty. Many of my constituents’ ancestors were forcibly relocated there for that very purpose. More than half of our communities are non-decentralized.
However, less than 23 percent of the capital budget for 2006-07 is allocated specifically to projects in those communities.
Mr. Chairman, in negotiations with the federal government for funding under various programs, the GN is always vocal about the need to move beyond per capita funding to a system where base needs are recognized.
I believe that the GN should determine its priorities using the same philosophy and allocate sufficient funding for meaningful community development in non-decentralized communities.
Mr. Chairman, the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a matching fund with the GN contributing 50 percent and projects will include recreation facilities, hamlet offices and halls, access roads, and tourism facilities.
Many members representing non-decentralized communities have stood in this House and raised concerns with respect to the extreme lack of these facilities in their communities.
Mr. Chairman, the New Deal for Cities and Communities, or the Gas Tax Initiative, requires non-tax based communities to work with the GN to develop long-term plans for this funding.
Iqaluit, the only tax-based community in Nunavut, will receive a percentage of the funds for use.
This initiative does not require matching funds but must be used for environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure projects.
The GN has already targeted three critical community infrastructure projects, water and sewage, and solid waste.
I know that other members have voiced concerns with respect to the state of water and sewage and solid waste facilities in their communities but I would like to take this opportunity to remind members that my community of Arctic Bay has suffered many problems relating to our sewage lagoon and to date only a band-aid solution has been found.
I would like this fund to find long-term solutions to infrastructure problems in non-decentralized communities.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. (interpretation) Are there any further comments on this motion?
There are no further comments to the motion.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to call for a recorded vote.
Chairman: Thank you. Your request is granted.
Do you have any closing comments, Mr. Barnabas?
Mr. Barnabas: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is fine, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Before I ask you to stand and vote, you can vote only when you are at your seat. Would you please return to your seats; the minister can sit where he is sitting.
Thank you, we will have a recorded vote. All in those in favour will rise as a member has asked for a recorded vote.
We will start with the person who moved, all in favour please rise.
Thank you, Mr. Barnabas. Mr. Arreak. Mr. Alagalak.
For those opposed, please rise.
Abstentions, please rise.
Mr. Peterson. Mr. Tootoo. Mr. Akesuk.
Minister Aglukkaq. Mr. Picco. Mr. Simailak.
Mr. Okalik. Ms. Brown. Minister Netser.
For those in favour I had three, opposed zero, abstentions nine.
The motion is carried, thank you.
I have no other names on my list, we are done.
Return to J-4.
Detailed Expenditures.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $140,542,000.
Do you agree that the Department of Community and Government Services is concluded?
I would also like to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly and my staff Mr. Rich and Mr. Rafter and the observers who are in the House. Thank you very much.
I feel very relieved that the department’s main estimates have been approved and please keep me informed about anything that you would like dealt with in my mandate.
We are more than willing to give out the information and I do know that we are going to have a very close working relationship.
Those are my closing comments. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister and your staff.
I would like to ask Minister Akesuk, who is responsible for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
Bill 12 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2006-07 – Review in Committee – Economic Development and Transportation
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: I am glad to be here today to present to you my department’s main estimates for the 2006-07 fiscal year.
The department’s budget we are reviewing today is an expenditure for salaries, grants, and contributions in operations totalling $46,080,000.
The budget for Economic Development and Transportation includes additional funding approval by the Financial Management Board for the following initiatives; Funding for the Nanisivik Mine for the reclamation of Government of Nunavut infrastructure, funding for the Nanisivik airport power generator, and funding to review and recommend a new license plate for Nunavut.
The department has also reallocated monies within the budget to the following initiatives: regional Chambers of Commerce, an increase to the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, and the implementation of Nunavut Mineral and Exploration Strategy.
The reallocation also includes the division of the former Division of Strategic and Corporate Services into smaller division, Finance and Administration Division and Policy, Planning, and Communications division.
This change will make our headquarters operate more effectively.
Also, I am pleased to say that $4 million has been identified again this fiscal year for economic development initiatives under the Strategic Initiative Program.
This was an interim program in the current fiscal year 2005-06.
The response of business and community organizations to the program was very favourable. We propose to continue the program in 2006-07. I anticipate the same positive response.
We are also working with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada through the proposed MOU to coordinate the Strategic Initiative Program with the Federal Northern Economic Development fund to create a combined investment of $10 million per year into the economic initiatives in Nunavut in each of the next four years.
I want to highlight some of the key priorities of the department in the 2006-07 fiscal year.
We will continue to:
work on monitoring and supporting implementation of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy with a focus this year on the implementation of the Nunavut Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy;
implement the Memorandum of Understanding with Nunavut Tourism, including the research components and the initiation of a review of the Travel and Tourism Act;
promote the participation of Nunavummiut in our tourism, resource and development industries and in particular mining through training in business development, export readiness and by providing aftercare support;
complete negotiations with the federal government for the Safe Harbours Program including the completion of assessment of all marine facilities in Nunavut;
support the Bathurst Inlet port and road projects and monitor progress in environmental assessment of the project;
continue the public consultation process on the Manitoba-Nunavut highway route selection process;
participate in the implementation of a National Transportation Strategy.
In addition, the department’s priorities will include new initiative such as:
the negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the federal Department of Indian and Northern Development to coordinate the delivery of economic development programs and initiatives;
the expansion of the application of the NNI policy to Crown agencies and municipal governments; work with Transport Canada on the implementation of a policy and funding mechanism to implement a strategy for long range aircraft operations in Nunavut airspace; implementation of the second phase of the new Community Aerodrome Radio Station Management Contract to include the development of training facility within Nunavut. We are anticipating the first intake of students in April 2006 in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Chairman, my department will continue to lead on economic development and transportation issues in Nunavut. We will ensure that our programs and services respond to the needs of Nunavummiut.
That is the end of my opening comments; I welcome any questions or comments from my colleagues here in the House.
While we get witnesses and everybody ready, we are going to take a short five-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 14:16 and resumed at 14:30
Chairman (Mr. Arreak)(interpretation): Thank you, minister for your opening comments.
Are you going to have your officials come down to the witness table?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Yes, Mr. Chairman, please.
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree that the officials can go to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can assist them.
(interpretation ends) For the record, minister, please introduce your witness, thank you.
To my left Alex Campbell, Deputy Minister, and also to my right, Assistant Deputy Minister Rosemary Keenainak.
Does chairman of the standing committee have comments?
The committee has reviewed the 2006-07 Main Estimates and business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and had the opportunity to meet with the minister in January.
Members are pleased that the GN is demonstrating clear support of the mining sector through the Fuel Tax Rebate initiative.
Members are concerned that it is not entirely clear who will qualify for the rebate or what mechanisms will be used to deliver the rebate program.
Members noted recent news reports quoting senior GN staff as saying that companies must enter a “development participation agreement” with the GN before qualifying for the rebate.
Members encourage the Department of Economic Development and Transportation to ensure that the proper support structure exists and is well advertised so that hunters, trappers, outfitters, tourism operators and other small businesses are equally able to apply for and access this rebate as large mining companies with their comparatively unlimited resources.
Members were pleased with the focus on economic development that was outlined in this year’s budget address. Members look forward to reviewing any proposed regulatory changes that may be recommended by the Barriers to Business Working Group.
Members also noted the reference in the budget address to the Northern Strategy Trust Fund and the GN’s commitment to focus on economic development in the smaller communities.
The standing committee urges the GN to ensure that the Northern Strategy Trust Fund is operated with the utmost transparency and accountability.
It is essential that Nunavummiut understand the goals of the fund and are able to track the benefits arising from spending through the fund.
Mr. Chairman, members have emphasized the importance of the arts and crafts sector to economic development across Nunavut. Concerns have been raised by internationally renowned artists that many communities do not have safe access to adequate stone for carving.
Members have noted that the department’s business plan makes reference to the Nunavut Carving Stone Strategy and the completion of a resource and quarry database.
Members would urge the minister to table both of these documents at the earliest opportunity.
Members are concerned that the Nunavut Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy has not yet been tabled.
The strategy has been cited in support of the recently announced fuel tax rebate. However, members have not been given the opportunity to review it. Tahera’s Jericho mine is now producing diamonds and the Kivalliq Inuit Association recently concluded negotiating an IIBA with Cumberland Resources for the Meadowbank development.
Members encourage the minister to make the Mining Strategy public by tabling it at the earliest opportunity.
Members are excited by the possibilities of oil and gas development in the territory.
Members recall that the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy voiced concerns that, to date, the Government of Canada, through the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and the Canadian Petroleum Resources Act, has yet to establish work commitments for exploration in significant discovery license areas. This means that companies currently holding exploration rights in those areas are not required to actually do work in them. Given the potential that is associated with our significant reserves of oil and gas, it is important that the federal government be lobbied to establish work commitments for current permit holders.
Members recognize that large-scale infrastructure development in Nunavut will require substantial investment by the federal government. Members are encouraged by the ongoing community consultations on the Manitoba-Nunavut road link. The standing committee supports this initiative and sees the link as a vital component of economic development for not only the Kivalliq region, but for Nunavut as a whole.
Because of this project’s importance, the committee has invited members of the Kivalliq-Manitoba Route Section Project to present their work to date and discuss the project with members.
Members are also excited about a prospect of the construction of a deep-sea port and road infrastructure in the Kitikmeot by the private sector. Recognizing that the Government of Nunavut is already committed for us to start a feasibility of a road and port project in the Kitikmeot, members urge the minister to ensure that the Government of Nunavut interest in the project is maintained and that agreement is in place to ensure that the infrastructure is available to other users.
Members remain concerned by the lack of boat safety information that is readily available in both Inuktitut and English.
The standing committee urges the department to work with the appropriate entities to develop a boat safety program in Nunavut that includes timely boat inspections to ensure that the safety in Nunavummiut when they are on the water.
Mr. Chairman, members recognize that funding for community economic development officers is intended for salary, benefits and training.
Hamlets are encouraged to use the money to access further resources for economic development and the federal government and other outside agencies.
Members encourage the minister to continue supporting CEDOs by providing training opportunities. Members are pleased by the minister’s commitment to work towards strengthening aftercare for new businesses to ensure that those businesses thrive.
Members support the department’s efforts to provide businesses with assistance in such areas as preparation of financial statements. Members were pleased by the minister’s November 2005 announcement concerning the success of the Strategic Investment Program.
The minister has indicated to the standing committee that he would be working with the federal government to better integrate the Government of Nunavut program with federal government’s Targeted Investment Program.
Members urge the minister to table details of approved projects and amounts under the program.
There was a concern of a perception of abuse in the communities that eligibility criteria for applications made in the community initiatives program are not uniformly applied.
Members noted that allocations under this program are broken down by the municipality in the Government of Nunavut’s 2004-05 report of general contributions.
Members would like to see more detail information made public on specific projects that have improved under the CIP.
Members also urge the minister to release results of the progress review of the Community Initiatives Program.
Members recognize that in communities that do not have active private sectors, the municipality has the responsibility to ensure the residents have access to certain services.
However, members remain concerned that in some cases, municipalities are in direct competition with the private sector for contracts.
Members would also offer the caution that some entrepreneurs are leery about accessing services from Community Economic Development Officers because of privacy issues related to their employer, the hamlet potentially being in direct competition with their new businesses.
The standing committee strongly believe that economic development is dependent upon the growth of a strong private sector.
Members remain concerned that the minister is behind in fulfilling his statutory tabling requirements with respect to the annual reports of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation.
Members are pleased that a trade facility will be open to train community aerodrome radio station operators in Nunavut.
Many Members of this House, both during the first Assembly and the current Assembly have been vocal supporters of making this training available here.
Members look forward to the minister’s update after the program graduates its first students.
Member noted in the department’s business plan that the NNI Policy will be applied to crown agencies and municipalities beginning 2006-07.
Members agree that it’s important to support our emerging business sector by ensuring that Nunavut and Inuit businesses have a competitive advantage.
However, members caution the minister that municipalities do not have the same purchasing power as the Government of Nunavut and that an increase in resources for municipalities may be necessary in order for them to apply the policy and to meet potentially increased procurement costs.
Members noted the publication in January of a request for proposals to review an update the 2001 Nunavut Transportation Strategy.
Members urge the minister to ensure that the new transportation strategy identifies needs that can be addressed by the Government of Nunavut using its own resources in addition to projects that require significant federal investment.
Members were extremely pleased that Iqaluit was chosen as a location for the cold weather testing of the new Airbus.
Members look forward to the minister’s update on the estimated impacts that testing had on Nunavut’s economy.
Before we proceed I would like to remind members of the following. According to Rule 77(1) you have 10 minutes to speak, and according to Rule 77(2), subject to the discretion of the Chair, a member may speak more than once to a matter under discussion but not until every member wishing to speak has spoken. I suggest to members that whenever possible you ask a detailed question during the page by page review of departmental estimates and be reminded that hypothetical questions and questions that are seeking opinions will not be honoured.
To members with general comments.
I do have a short question, about the ministers opening remarks. First of all, I would like to welcome the minister and his officials.
In regard to Nanisivik and the cleaning up and dismantling of buildings, because these buildings are connected to each other, various departments and private sectors are responsible.
First of all, I would like to find out which one is responsible for these units.
We are now on general comments. I will get to the questioning, but now we are on general comments.
I would like to thank the minister for being very supportive to the mining sector and also the Manitoba - Nunavut highway. If it was constructed that it would also help to bring the cost of groceries and goods down and also since some of the things that we wanted to deal with are now progressing and the highway road project should continue.
When the road project is developing you should inform the impacted communities and consult with the communities, especially in regard to the hunting and fishing areas.
To make sure that they do not interfere with the harvesters hunting group you have to make sure that they are informed all the time.
That was brief. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to welcome the minister and his officials to the chambers, the Committee of the Whole, the witness table, or whatever you want to call it.
Some call it the hot-seat. Mr. Picco is the only one that refers to it as that.