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Mr. Speaker, I urge this government to reconsider Arviat needs and look at Arviat as being the second largest community in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 165 – 2(3): Lack of Services for People with Disabilities (Kilabuk)
I rise today to bring to your attention the lack of decent services and resources for individuals with disabilities by this government: housing, education, jobs, etcetera.
I must bring it to your attention, Mr. Speaker, because it appears that very little attention is being paid to the hardships and difficulties faced by Nunavummiut who struggle every day of their lives with a physical disability; people who are in these situations not by their own choice.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware of a number of individuals within my own community of Pangnirtung who do not have access to the resources that they need to be able to live reasonably independently, with dignity and self-reliance.
I know there are others across Nunavut with similar needs.
Mr. Speaker, every person deserves the opportunity to live a decent life.
We need to be able to get outside and breathe some fresh air. We need to be able to visit our friends and family.
We need to be able to go to the store and prepare to leave the house because not everything is in one room with everything within a hand’s reach.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that special devices for individuals with disabilities such as wheelchairs are provided under programs such as the NIHB.
It is important that the Department of Health and Social Services work towards ensuring that individuals receive the resources and support to which they are entitled, plus the thinking and reasons for denying requests for help must change.
Mr. Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
Like I said, we have to change our thinking.
Our constituents can no longer be denied access to these motorized wheelchairs because their arms are still working and they are told that they need to exercise or because their wife or husband is still capable of pushing them in the wheelchair.
Mr. Speaker, motorized wheelchairs are not a luxury.
They are a very basic piece of equipment that helps a person live a decent life and be independent.
For example, if we were to ask government department employees: if we were to take your computers how would you be able to do your job? I’m just making an example.
Mr. Speaker, it sometimes seems that the government spares no expense when it comes to things like computers for its own offices, and they cost a lot of money; or a new couch or table, but they can’t find the money for other things like good quality wheelchairs.
Mr. Speaker, I mentioned wheelchairs, but there are many other basic resources also necessary to meet the needs of those who have, for example, difficulty seeing or hearing.
Mr. Speaker, last November, the first annual general meeting of the Nunavummi Disabilities Makinnasuaqtiit Society was held here in Iqaluit.
Many delegates shared stories of the barriers that they face in getting access to the most basic services such as education, communication, and transportation.
Mr. Speaker, I know it’s not solely the fault of this minister. We have improvements to make, but rather, we look to her to help us find workable solutions because this government must do a better job of defending and supporting the rights of individuals with disabilities.
It is about time that these people, our fellow Nunavummiut, were treated equally and with decency.
I will be asking the minister questions about this issue at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 166 – 2(3): Pandemic Emergency Response Plans (Peterson)
I rise today to raise the serious issue of pandemic preparation and emergency response at the municipal level in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, thinking about the unthinkable and planning for the unknown are difficult challenges. However, when we see the devastating impact of natural disasters and outbreaks of disease on other communities and countries, it is our responsibility to formulate adequate contingency plans to protect the health and safety of our public.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware that one of the goals in the Department of Health and Social Services 2006-07 Business Plan is to finalize its Territorial Pandemic Plan.
However, I am uncertain as to what plans are in place for Community and Government Services, the Qulliq Energy Corporation, and other entities to work with hamlets in order to ensure the continuity of vital municipal services.
Mr. Speaker, during my time as Mayor of Cambridge Bay, we had discussions on the issue of emergency response plans. However, our small local government didn’t really have the resources available to put these into place.
I imagine that the situation is similar in many other Nunavut communities.
Mr. Speaker, imagine if an outbreak of a virulent disease struck a community and resulted in the firefighters being unable to respond to a blaze. Imagine if the trained Power Corporation workers in a community were laid low during the middle of a -40 cold snap and the lights went out. Basic municipal services like water and sewage are absolutely vital to the health of a community.
If those services are interrupted for any length of time, we are at risk.
Mr. Speaker, I know that this is an issue that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has been working on.
I urge our government to bring a coordinated approach to pandemic and disaster planning that includes our municipalities.
Member’s Statement 167 – 2(3): Anglican Church Fund Raising Dinner a Success (Picco)
Hon. Ed. Picco (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all the members who went to the fundraising dinner last night at the Anglican Parish Hall.
I would like to thank everybody that helped and all the residents of Iqaluit and all those who made donations.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the pancake supper was a huge success. And we would like to thank also First Air, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Baffin Canners and the Grind and Brew for providing coffee, tea, and a cook.
Mr. Speaker, we raised over $4,500 last night. ...
... for the rebuilding of the new cathedral. Our next fundraiser will be a silent auction and supper. Again, Mr. Speaker, we would like to thank the members for attending and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for their kind donations to the supper last night.
I was trying to be the first one because of course we can only recognise an individual one time. I have two individuals here from my constituency.
Josh Mitsima, I would like to welcome you to the Gallery. And we also have an elder who is from my constituency. He’s the one who always makes comments on the radio, Mr. Celestine Erikidjuk.
From my riding, I don’t believe she voted for me, but she is from Hall Beach. I would like to welcome Marlene Curley, Roland Kamukak, and Irene Willie from Arctic Bay, because of course she was adopted by one of my relatives. Thank you and I would like to welcome them to the Gallery.
I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize an individual from my community. The grandson of my cousin, Mathew Ashevak, I would like to welcome him to the Gallery.
Before we proceed to Oral Questions, I would like to make a statement.
I wish to advise the House that I have reviewed yesterday’s Hansard. As members will recall, unanimous consent was sought and received to extend Question Period.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind all members that when unanimous consent is sought to extend Oral Question Period, the Clerk’s clock will be reset for an additional hour.
Question 179 – 2(3): New Nursing Station for Repulse Bay (Mapsalak)
When we were reviewing the capital estimates there was an item that asserted that there would be a nursing station built in Repulse Bay in 2009-10.
This nursing station has been in the plans for a number of years now and has been deferred repeatedly.
I would like to ask the minister if the building of the health centre will be deferred again this year.
In the last presentation of the budget, the timelines we had discussed related to the capital projects for the Department of Health are the same.
The present health care centre that we are utilizing has a staff house on the second floor.
Does the minister know if the health centre that will be built in 2009 will have staff housing on the second floor, such as this one we are currently using?
For 2007-08, there will be some funding set aside to start the planning for the design of the new health centre for Repulse Bay.
At this point in time, I do not know what the design will include, but I can say that the issue relating to nurses’ housing is an issue that will be something incorporated into the discussion on the health centre.
The money set aside for that will require involvement of people in the community for input as well as through the staff.
So at this point in time, I cannot say whether it will or will not include it until such time as we have had a chance to go through the planning process and design stages.
Yesterday, I was making a comment on the lack of adequate housing or the shortage of housing.
If you are going to build separate staff housing for the nurses, I do not think it is going to make any sense at all because of course there’s a severe shortage of housing.
The population is growing and the numbers of houses are not keeping up with the population in the whole of Nunavut.
I would like the minister to seriously consider building the staff housing right in the health centre.
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (interpretation): In regard to his concern, once we are on the design phase of the building, I will include it, since we have housing shortage in all of Nunavut, as everyone knows, if we are going to include nurses’ staff housing, we will find out during the design phase.
I am committed to the concern since we have housing shortage, as we are all aware of that, in all of Nunavut.
Using these funds, I will try to include the nurses’ staff housing in the new health centre.
I can now look forward, if I’m still here, I will look forward to adequate staff housing for the nurses in 2008. Will you give us an update on the building of this health centre and the staff housing?
I will commit to consult with the member through the design phase of the new health centre for Repulse Bay. At the same time, when the capital project managers travel to the community to consult on the design, to ensure that the member is aware that they are in the community to discuss the design of the facility, and I will keep the member informed as we progress.
Question 180 – 2(3): Pandemic Emergency Response Plans (Peterson)
In my Member’s Statement today, I spoke on the need for pandemic and emergency response planning that involves our municipalities.
Can the minister outline, to the House, how her department is working with Health and Social Services in developing Nunavut’s Territorial Pandemic Plan?
The Department of Health and Social Services and my department are working closely together when they are doing any planning.
In regard to your question, we are currently working on it.
Can the minister tell me how the municipalities are involved in contingency planning for pandemics or other disasters?
This is a concern, I’m sure, in the whole of Canada.
The federal government has been working on this for quite some time now and it has been worked on by the emergency preparedness group. We will give you an update on what kind of effect it would have on the pandemic and emergency response planning.
We are currently working on the Emergency Measures Act. Cabinet will review it, and then after it has been reviewed, we will be able to give you the details.
I thank the minister for that information. Can the minister tell the House when the Territorial Pandemic Plan will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly?
I’m sure when it’s available the copy will be given to you. There’s a process that we have to follow through.
I would like to commit to the member that the Emergency Services section in CGS had a workshop in October right on this issue; it’s being reviewed at this time and if I have to table it at the Legislative Assembly, I will do so.
Of course, we have to follow the process and follow the regulations.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that information.
Mr. Speaker, every time we turn on the television, or pick up the newspaper and read it, we hear talk of pandemics, and the avian bird flu.
It’s just a matter of time before the pandemic will arrive. It’s not a question of if, but when it’s coming.
So I think it’s very important that Nunavut is prepared and the municipalities are prepared. So I think time is of the essence.
My final question for the minister, Mr. Speaker, is: will the minister commit to tabling a list of the municipalities in Nunavut who have emergency response plans including contingency planning for pandemics?
Of course, it’s a major concern for all of Nunavut.
We hear of it on a daily basis through the media.
What we don’t see is the agencies and the governments, and the groups that make the plans so that we’ll be prepared for it.
I think we’re more prepared than you realize.
I will have a discussion with the minister and I will table the plan once it’s been reviewed and completed.
At this time, it’s currently in the works and the Government of Nunavut (interpretation ends) is committed to ensuring residents are educated and trained to know and understand the types of emergencies they may face and to extend the practise to be prepared to meet them.
Once they are ready, we will table them in the House, but I would like to assure the members here that our people are working on it.
Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit Centre, Mr. Tootoo.
Question 181 – 2(3): Borrowing Debt Cap (Tootoo)
My question is for the Minister responsible for Finance, and it deals with the cap, not ball caps, but debt caps.
Mr. Speaker, again, in the Auditor General’s Report for 2005, there was a considerable amount of attention paid on the debt cap.
Mr. Speaker, we know in the minister’s budget address, there was not a single mention on where Nunavut stands with respect to our debt cap, which is $ 200 million, set out by legislation.
I’d like to ask the minister if he could tell us, as of today, if he knows how much borrowing room remains on this cap.
At this time, we have a cap of $200 million; our debt cap is at $200 million.
Currently, we have identified (interpretation ends) about $153 million in debt.
In light of some of the comments made by the Auditor General in her report, and I’ll quote them, it’s on paragraph 43, it says; “The government needs to have a sense of the amount of it’s actual borrowings to ensure that it does not inadvertently approach or exceed the debt cap.”
Also, it says, “In our view, at present, there is a risk that the government could reach a debt cap and not even realize it until much later.”
My question to the minister is; how confident is he in those numbers or some of the items that were identified in the Auditor General’s Report, looked at and figuring out what that debt cap is. If not, will they be reviewing it?
Yes, it is true we are reviewing the debt cap after the Auditor General’s Report on this.
We will be getting additional staff who will be working within the department.
It will be a treasury function (interpretation ends) effective the 2006-07 fiscal year. Part of this function will be to monitor and report the Government of Nunavut’s debt on a quarterly basis.
(interpretation) So that is how we are reviewing and how we will be monitoring the debt cap on a monthly basis to make sure we do not go over the capacity of $200 million.
One can automatically conclude, as I mentioned yesterday, that the government always agrees with the recommendations of the Auditor General.
Mr. Speaker, in paragraph 44 of the 2004 Report to the Assembly, they recommended that the government report where its actual debt stands against the debt cap in its consolidated financial statements. They also indicated that this is the best practice that is practiced by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
My question to the minister is: why was that amount not put into this year’s statements as the Auditor General identified that they are not there?
I will look into his comment as to why this is so. I will consult with the member after I get the results.
I would like to ask the minister to commit to tabling a list of the debt that we have outstanding. He’s indicated the $153 million, if he could table and provide, to this House, a copy of exactly where that debt is by department, or Crown corporation, or whatever; a list showing the $153 million.
Yes, I will be able to table them in the House only when if I am allowed to.
Question 182 – 2(3): Harvesters’ Support Program (Curley)
I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Wildlife.
Last year, we discussed the topic of amending. How was this simple program or natural disasters program...through natural disaster, if a harvester’s equipment could be destroyed, what kind of natural disaster does it have to be in order to be eligible for compensation?
Yes, Mr. Kilabuk used to ask this question.
They have to be on the ice. For example, when the ice floe comes off the ice and they start floating, those are the natural disasters.
We are reviewing it to make changes.
So once the review is done and complete, we want to make sure that it applies to all hunters and to make sure that it’s clear and understandable for the hunters.
For example, if there was a boat that drifted away, perhaps they could be compensated.
The Inuit who have their own property...my officials are reviewing the compensation for harvesters.
I’m going to quote my understanding under the Hunters and Trappers Contribution Policy and the Support of Harvesting Policy.
There is one provision with respect to natural disaster compensation that is currently only related to damages from forest fire.
This government doesn’t have a Natural Disaster Policy for Nunavummiut.
It’s only one paragraph that should be changed; it doesn’t need to be reviewed.
We don’t have forest fires in this part of Nunavut.
Will the minister include natural disasters related to ice, snow, or wind, for all that matter, for Nunavummiut so that they would qualify and not be subject to disqualification because of the current policy? Could you undertake to change that one wording, really?
Yes, we will review it carefully and I will also provide the amendments to the policy for your review and consult with you.
We will consult with the members on the natural disaster compensation.
The Committee of the Whole committed, about four or five months ago, that the contribution allowance for the natural disaster fund be increased from last year’s $20,000 to $150,000 additional.
That would mean that it would be up roughly $190,000.
Where is that recommendation for increasing $150,000 for natural disaster recommended by this Assembly?
The Department of Environment, once our main estimates for 2006-07, they will be included.
The changes to the amount will be discussed at that time. I probably will be able to respond better once we go line-by-line for my Department of Environment.
I don’t think the policy applies to Nunavut.
We talk about forest fires that you can compensate, perhaps if you can rectify this problem to make sure that Nunavummiut can receive compensation from natural disasters.
Can you commit to me that you will deal with this right away because I think there’s $80,000 left in the natural disasters relief fund. So could you do this as soon as possible?
Yes, we will deal with this immediately. I don’t know how long you’ll have to wait. We can initiate this work to make sure that we have a better contribution allowance for Nunavut harvesters.
Question 183 – 2(3): Inmates at Baffin Correctional Centre Attending Funerals (Arreak)
Constituents have raised a concern with me regarding inmates in territorial custody at the Baffin Correctional Centre receiving permission and assistance to attend relative’s funerals. They believe that inmates should be able to do this.
My question for the minister is: what policy does the department have in place regarding inmates attending funerals of relatives, and does the department provide assistance for inmates to travel outside of Iqaluit to attend funeral services?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for Justice, Mr. Premier.
I know that we encounter this quite a bit at the facility. In each case, if there is a death in the immediate family, I know that arrangements are made to travel with the inmate to the funeral, and to grieve with the family.
So each case is looked at in terms of security as well. So each case is quite different, but we do our best to accommodate grieving family members.
Mr. Arreak: Thank you, Minister.
Keeping in contact with family members can be an important part of healing and rehabilitation for inmates. What new programs has the department introduced to help inmates keep from re-offending again?
The Baffin Correctional Centre that the member is speaking of has a number of programs focussed towards Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and a lot of on the land programs are running out of the facility and we do have elders that come and assist in the healing of inmates on a regular basis.
What education and job skills programs are offered to inmates in territorial custody so they can have a chance to earn a living when they are released?
There are quite a few programs actually.
At the facility, we have a classroom with an adult instructor that assists the students in trying to get additional education, like the GED Program. We do have other programs directed towards training for jobs, carving. I can table those programs and provide it to the member at the appropriate time.
Question 184 – 2(3): Migrating Birds and Bird Flu (Kattuk)
I’m not sure which minister to direct my question, whether it’s the Minister for the Department of Environment, or maybe Health.
My question is in regard to the Avian Bird Flu.
In our region in Nunavut, the birds that migrate up north, I just want to make sure that we don’t have to worry about bird flu.
Maybe it’s easier to direct it to the Department of Health or the Department of Environment.
We will be keeping a close eye on it because the birds will be migrating pretty soon. We will ask the communities to work closely with us, especially with our wildlife officers. We will let them know to work with the communities.
If birds are found dead in the community or the surrounding area, then our wildlife officer would be able to get it examined.
The ducks and chickens are mainly the ones that have the bird flu overseas, but we will keep a close eye on those to make sure that the Inuit are not affected.
The birds eat anything along their way from down south to here and we know that they might be eating something that’s contaminated maybe through their feed.
That’s one of the reasons why I’m asking a question to make sure that those birds be examined to make sure that they will be saved so we won’t have to worry about them.
All the birds, when they come to Canada, maybe the ones down south would have heavier impact.
For the birds that do migrate up north, we will be working closely with the federal government. If they were dying down south, then that would be a good indicator that we would have to keep a closer eye on them before they do come up.
So that’s how we would be working on it.
My supplementary to the question is: the birds that stay in the communities all year long, will they be able to be examined?
Yes, the birds that stay up here all year-round; there are still a lot of Tulugait, ravens, here in Iqaluit and they don’t seem to be affected.
I think we would know right away and able to tell ahead of time.
If it was spreading through Canada, then we would be informed, but so far, we have not heard anything that it has come to Canada.
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not talking about ravens.
I’m talking about sea birds. They stay up here all year round. They are not usually land birds, but more on the ice.
In my community, there are ducks all year round. They stay on the islands all year round. So I’m referring more to the ducks because when the food that we purchase from stores runs out, do we have anything to worry about?