EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The amount the member referenced, the $10.7 million, we were able to negotiate it through an agreement with the federal government.
However, it will most likely follow the general rule where our territorial government has to set aside funds for the new campus that we are looking at.
We have identified it here under Iqaluit in 2017-19 and the first amount will be $9 million and for 2018-19, the figure is $6 million, for a total of $15 million.
When we speak to the entire amount, it totals $18.9 million.
With that being the case, some of the funds will be allocated from the territorial government.
The reason why I asked this is, in English, it indicates that you will be “actively seeking additional third party funding to minimize the impact to the Government of Nunavut related to this capital project.”
If you can’t access third party funding, what would happen to that project?
We talk to different organizations or entities.
We have tried to have discussions with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association on how they can give us financial support.
That’s what we consider third party funding. We are talking to Inuit organizations. We have already signed an agreement for $10.7 million, which we are very pleased about.
That might be enough.
If we need additional third party funds, we want to be open to getting funding from other entities, for example, Agnico Eagle Mines or various organizations that we have discussions with. As I stated earlier, the Nunavut government would make a contribution if everything goes well.
We’re just identifying where that money would come from.
You indicated that you had discussions with Inuit organizations. What have they indicated? Are they going to provide financial support?
We have been having discussions specifically with the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation. We’re looking at it from a partnership point of view. I can say that it’s a possibility.
We also have discussions with the fisheries coalition on the programs that are going to be offered. The third party funding that is provided will assist with the programs that will be offered at the new campus.
There is $250,000 for small capital and you indicated that this $250,000 will be used for a variety of things, for example, teleconferencing and IT projects.
However, $250,000 is a lot, but I think it’s too small when you’re talking about teleconferencing and all that.
I’m asking what he thinks of that.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the member. This is the first time I hear that $250,000 is too small.
You don’t hear that very often. I thank you very much.
We will be using those funds for different things and I can identify some of them. The Nunavut Research Institute has two vehicles that are aging. We’re looking at those two.
There are also SMART boards that we’re looking at that are accessible for all educational facilities. It could be used for that. With the Environmental Technology Program, they also use snowmobiles for training and they are aging.
They will have to get a new fleet. Also for small capital is the heavy equipment simulator that we’re looking at. It is used for training and the maintenance needs to be kept up.
We’re looking at those types of things for the $250,000.
I just have one or two questions.
If you will bear with me for a minute, it’s not in the capital estimates, but Sanikiluaq has an old community learning centre and it was an old, rundown one-room classroom.
About three or four years ago Arctic College entered into an agreement with the Nuiyak School to lease space for, I think, two classrooms in the school.
It’s my understanding that this lease agreement is up, I think, in two years.
Is it Arctic College’s intention to build a standalone learning centre for Sanikiluaq or will you be trying to enter into a longer term lease for the space at the school?
The facilities in the communities are looked at very carefully to see if they need replacement or their condition or if they need repairs.
Our priorities are the more urgent ones.
For instance, in Naujaat there’s an extremely old building and that’s the community we’re considering.
We don’t really have any agreements in other communities.
However, to his question, it can be looked into more carefully.
Arctic College can look further into the adult learning centre in Sanikiluaq.
The campus is being planned here in Iqaluit and the number of students coming in will probably increase.
What are the plans for the increase in students? That’s my first question.
The new campus that will be utilized will be 250,000 square metres and different courses will be delivered there.
To date the space will be adequate.
As we stated, it will be able to hold 250 students.
However, keep in mind too that the adult learning centres in the communities are used and not all students come to Iqaluit.
We’re trying to have 250 students utilize the space.
We will be looking at a new student residence. We have been identifying that it will be sufficient for who is coming in. I don’t know how many years later, but we will be taking a look at it again.
It’s obvious that based on the population growth in Nunavut, it can be studied again in the future to see if it’s getting too small.
After the fire at Ukiivik, all the students who were staying there will be moved to that residence and we will be building new facilities.
There is a mental health facility that I think hasn’t been used since 2011. It’s just sitting there with no occupants.
Has that building been considered here in Iqaluit?
We’ve only had discussions with Qikiqtaaluk Corporation.
We are still considering options for the residence, but we still haven’t made a decision. With respect to his question, we haven’t looked at that facility.
For your information, the facility the member is asking about is not owned by Nunavut Arctic College.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): It’s owned by the government and it’s just sitting there with no occupants.
It was a residence before and it wouldn’t cost the government any money to be utilized by Nunavut Arctic College for students who are coming in.
It’s not being occupied. Why isn’t the college trying to acquire it?
According to our understanding from Community and Government Services, that building is unusable.
That’s the information we have been given.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): That’s the first I have heard of it.
There is hardly any space left to build in Iqaluit.
That building is owned by the government and it’s just sitting there. I would like them to look further into it.
I can’t really respond to that subject because it falls under the responsibility of Community and Government Services, not Education.
Perhaps it would be a good question to pose to that department.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): I won’t get an answer, so it’s pointless.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) I have no more names on my list.
We’re on page M-3.
Nunavut Arctic College. Headquarters. Total Capital Expenditures. $10,250,000.
Go to page M-2. Department Summary.
Nunavut Arctic College. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $10,250,000.
I thank my colleagues for approving our funding allocations.
I have great expectations that the initiatives we wish to move forward related to Arctic College will now proceed in the upcoming fiscal year.
I also thank Nunavut Arctic College officials, President Joe and Richard, for their dedication to doing their jobs well. I thank them again.
Mr. Mikkungwak: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 24 and would like to report progress.
Just a reminder that tomorrow at nine o’clock there is a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Thursday, October 27, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 17:50
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Pages 2600 – 2662
Opening Prayer 2600
Ministers’ Statements 2600
Members’ Statements 2604
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2607
Oral Questions 2611
Returns to Written Questions* 2627
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2628
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2661
Orders of the Day 2661
Thursday, October 27, 2016 2600
182 – 4(3): Canada Child Benefit Exemption (Mike) 2600
183 – 4(3): Mental Health Continuing Competence Training (Hickes) 2601
184 – 4(3): Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik Receives Love of Reading Literacy Fund Grant (Quassa) 2601
185 – 4(3): Long-term Service Award Recipients 30 Plus Years (Taptuna) 2602
186 – 4(3): Long-term Service Award Recipients 20 Plus Years (Peterson) 2603
187 – 4(3): Arviat Art Welding Workshop (Ell-Kanayuk) 2603
350 – 4(3): Naujaat Success at Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Memorial Volleyball Tournament (Mapsalak) 2604
351 – 4(3): Nursing Shortage in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 2604
352 – 4(3): Proud of Baker Lake Residents (Mikkungwak) 2605
353 – 4(3): Nursing Shortage in Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq) 2605
354 – 4(3): Custom Adoption in Family (Shooyook) 2606
355 – 4(3): Cruise Ship Visits This Summer (Joanasie) 2606
356 – 4(3): Arviat Recipients for Long-term Service Awards (Savikataaq) 2607
467 – 4(3): Assessing Services at Long-term Care Facilities (Angnakak) 2611
468 – 4(3): Nunavut Food Security Coalition (Enook) 2612
469 – 4(3): Nursing Shortage in Gjoa Haven (Akoak) 2615
470 – 4(3): Facing the Hardship of Funeral Costs (Joanasie) 2616
471 – 4(3): Smoking Cessation Campaign (Okalik) 2618
472 – 4(3): Blueprint for Action on Housing (Mikkungwak) 2621
473 – 4(3): Family Resource Position for Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 2622
474 – 4(3): FPT Health Ministers’ Meeting (Angnakak) 2624
475 – 4(3): Innovations at the Nunavut Court of Justice (Joanasie) 2626
Return to Written Question 015 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Expenditures on Overtime Pay (Corrected Version) (Peterson) 2627
198 – 4(3): 2015 Annual Report – Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission for Nunavut and the Northwest Territories (Peterson) 2628
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Health – Consideration in Committee 2629
Bill 24 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2017-2018 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee 2658
Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) (interpretation): Ms. Monica Ell-Kanayuk, can you say the opening prayer, please.
Minister’s Statement 182 – 4(3): Canada Child Benefit Exemption (Mike)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and residents of my community, as well as everyone who is watching the proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, I’ll be making a statement on the child benefit.
I am pleased to confirm that the federal government implemented the new Canada Child Benefit in July 2016, replacing the previous federal benefits for families with children.
The new child benefit is based on family income and the number of dependent children living at home.
Mr. Speaker, like the previous National Child Benefit Supplement, the Canada Child Benefit is also exempt from the calculation of income assistance.
The benefit is not considered as income, so it is not subtracted from the amount a family is eligible to receive. (interpretation ends) This exemption puts extra money into the hands of the families who need it most.
My department is committed to ensuring that income assistance is a positive program that provides support to those who are most vulnerable, and we are excited that the Canada Child Benefit will provide a significant amount of extra financial resources for our income assistance families and their children. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Hon. Minister of Health, Mr. George Hickes.
Minister’s Statement 183 – 4(3): Mental Health Continuing Competence Training (Hickes)
The Department of Health has developed a continuing competence training program that is being offered to all mental health and addictions clinicians throughout the territory.
This important program is expanding the skill sets of our mental health work practices across the territory.
The training will be delivered to all staff over the next six months and will continue to be offered to our new staff hires.
Mr. Speaker, this two-week program is offered to clinicians by a highly qualified psychiatric nurse with ten years of community-based practice in Nunavut.
The training covers assessments, documentation, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.
Mr. Speaker, I’m very pleased to announce that seven clinicians have already successfully completed this training.
This important training is part of our department’s work to expand and standardize the services and practices across Nunavut’s communities.
Mr. Speaker, as defined in our guiding principles, the mental health continuing competence training aligns with Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: Respecting others, relationships, and caring for people.
Our clinicians will have improved tools, knowledge, and cultural competency to work with confidence within their communities and to improve the health and well-being of Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 184 – 4(3): Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik Receives Love of Reading Literacy Fund Grant (Quassa)
I say “good day” to the residents of my community and Nunavummiut, as well as the visitors in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I would like ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik on receiving a $40,000 grant from the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.
In February of this year Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik applied for a grant from the foundation explaining how the school would benefit from more books and learning materials and how they wanted to make the library the heart of the school.
Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik is using the funding to purchase resources like atlases, books to complete popular series such as Harry Potter, and books relevant to the north.
The school has also ordered high-interest, easy-reading books to encourage students to develop a love of reading and reach their learning potential.
Mr. Speaker, there are plans to hold weekly community events supporting literacy.
Having new and interesting books on a wide variety of subjects will encourage families to share the joy of storytelling and help their children develop their literacy and learning skills by reading together.
The Love of Reading Foundation saw that Kugaardjuk Ilihakvik works hard to constantly promote a culture of literacy.
Their support is much appreciated.
The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Mr. Peter Taptuna.
Minister’s Statement 185 – 4(3): Long-term Service Award Recipients 30 Plus Years (Taptuna)
Good afternoon, my colleagues, Nunavummiut, and Kuglukturmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize and thank Government of Nunavut staff who have dedicated more than 30 years to the public service.
These devoted employees were honoured with long-term service awards at an event last night.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, these dedicated individuals represent many of our departments and public bodies and come from across the territory.
Their long-term service is an example of a strong commitment to serving and providing for our communities.
Mr. Speaker, our government continues to invest in and support the employees of the public service to the benefit of all our citizens of Nunavut.
Through training and mentorship programs, as well as a positive and supportive work environment, I am confident that more of our workforce will continue to dedicate many years of valuable service to Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the following employees with more than 30 years of service: Mary Mamgark, Becky Tootoo, Ducas Milortok, Mary Aliqatuqtuq, and Gina Louise Pizzo, who all work with the Department of Education, and Don Coughlin from the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, I am also proud to recognize those employees with more than 35 years of service: Molly Kidlapik, Elisapee Jaypoody, Nellie Ell, Sanaaq Pee, and Tachel Hiqiniq from the Department of Education, and Marion Love from the Department of Finance.
Finally it is my honour to recognize with great appreciation our employees with more than 30 years of dedicated service: Uliut-Elizabeth Iksiktaaryuk and Sally Seeteenak, both from the Department of Education.
Mr. Speaker, once again I extend a great appreciation to our dedicated workforce here in the Government of Nunavut.
Congratulations to these long-term service recipients. Colleagues, please join me in thanking them for their years of service.
Minister’s Statement 186 – 4(3): Long-term Service Award Recipients 20 Plus Years (Peterson)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Mr. Speaker, last night the Premier and colleagues from this House joined me to recognize a number of employees for their long-term service to our government.
Today I would like to recognize those government employees here in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, these long-term employees have dedicated their careers to public service and have made enormous contributions to our territory over the decades of their employment.
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in recognizing the following employees who have dedicated 20 years of public service to our government: Samuel Aliyak, Patricia Cameron, Shawna Dias, Gary Dunford, Steven Hay, Annie Pitseolak Joannie, Rahabi Kamookak, Leslie Leafloor, Naty Matthews, Atsanak Price, Igah Sanguya, Shane Slifka, Dallas Tucktoo, and Alden Williams.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend congratulations to the following employees who have dedicated 25 years of public service to our government: Obed Anoee, Sandra Ranahan, Julia Angalik, Shane Sather, Doreen Emily Siutinuar, Canute Krejunark, Mary Kopak, and Louisa Nanooklook.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Nunavut, we thank these women and men for making a difference in their communities and our territory.
Minister’s Statement 187 – 4(3): Arviat Art Welding Workshop (Ell-Kanayuk)
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation supports many community-based projects across Nunavut that build on areas of identified potential.
I am pleased to provide my colleagues with an update on one such project, the Hamlet of Arviat’s art welding workshop, which was supported under the department’s arts development program.
This successful and unique workshop, which was part of Arviat’s community economic development plan, was held from August 24 to September 1.
Seven people from Arviat were taught how to use their creativity to weld scrap metal from the dump into works of art.
Mr. Speaker, our government supports the development of current and future Nunavut artists in all media, including through community-driven projects like the artistic welding workshop.
I congratulate the people who participated in this workshop and have completed the training in this artistic discipline, and I applaud the Hamlet of Arviat for their initiative.
Member’s Statement 350 – 4(3): Naujaat Success at Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Memorial Volleyball Tournament (Mapsalak)
I rise today to congratulate and to applaud the athletes who went to Rankin Inlet to compete in the Laura Ulluriaq Gauthier Memorial Volleyball Tournament.
The team from Naujaat won gold at that event.
Participants were the following: Dino Milortok, Ray Milortok, Kalu Tukturdjuk, Samui Angotialuk, and also from Baker Lake and one of the competitive athletes whom we thank immensely, Anthyme Arulaaq Kadjuk.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding and congratulating those athletes. Naujaat teams are very competitive and they bring home medals.
Member’s Statement 351 – 4(3): Nursing Shortage in Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
Good afternoon to Gjoa Havenmiut.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to echo concerns that have been raised by my colleagues regarding the shortage of nursing staff at Nunavut’s community health centres.
Mr. Speaker, when the health centre is short-staffed, it causes delays in the nurses being able to see patients, who sometimes have to wait over a week for an appointment.
Mr. Speaker, there is a protocol in place that young babies who are ill must be seen by the nurse, night or day.
When this happens, sometimes the nurse has not had enough rest for the next day and they are tired.
Mr. Speaker, this situation causes hardship for the nurses. Sometimes they are even accused of not wanting to see the patients, which is not the case.
This situation also causes hardships for patients who are ill but cannot see the nurse immediately because the nurse is tired from being up the night before.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Gjoa Haven’s nurses for their hard work, even when they are short-staffed and tired from working long hours.
Mr. Speaker, they even repaired their own defibrillator, which shows great dedication.
At the appropriate time I will have questions on the shortage of nursing staff at the Gjoa Haven Community Health Centre.
Members’ Statements. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak.
Member’s Statement 352 – 4(3): Proud of Baker Lake Residents (Mikkungwak)
I rise today to express my pride in my fellow residents of Baker Lake and Nunavummiut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am one proud father. My son, Theo Mikkungwak, whom some of you may recall was here at my swearing-in ceremony, made me feel very honoured yesterday as he was performing traditional drum dancing along with his grade 4 drum dancing class.
I am proud of all of them.
Yesterday evening at the long-term service awards, I was extremely proud that one of my constituents was appreciated for her 40 years of service with the government.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ms. Sally Seeteenak, who was also my teacher when I went to school in Baker Lake.
She is still doing a fine job.
Member’s Statement 353 – 4(3): Nursing Shortage in Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq)
Good afternoon, residents of Kugaaruk and Taloyoak, as well as my colleagues and visitors in the gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to follow the subject within the statement my colleague just made regarding medical patients.
Any person who states that they are in pain is stating that fact because they can feel the pain.
My colleague indicated earlier that nurse shortages in our communities lead to burnouts.
Due to their tiredness, they sometimes misdiagnose our people stating they have no illness, even though the person is feeling pain, or they ask them to go home.
Pain and illness is tied into our bodies. If any person feels pain in a certain part, then it can spread and transform into a terminal illness.
Mr. Speaker, I wonder how best to improve this situation, particularly for those of us who live in smaller communities.
This is an issue we are passionate about in representing our people, in order to improve our malaise of proper treatment for their sickness.
We are dedicated to making this happen.
Mr. Speaker, the Inuit who complain about medical issues shouldn’t be sent home, as they are feeling physical pain. If it is at all possible to fill the nursing shortages in the smaller communities, although we know it is difficult, we have to try to alleviate the challenges we face.
Mr. Speaker, I am thankful for the opportunity to voice my thoughts.
Member’s Statement 354 – 4(3): Custom Adoption in Family (Shooyook)
Good day, Nunavummiut, our Premier, and my colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, with absolutely no concerns and feeling blissful, I rise as I am quite happy today.
Apparently the fiddling I heard last night brought me alive such that I wanted to dance in front of the fiddlers.
This feeling in hindsight was strong enough to last to now.
I am really proud today and the real reason why I rise is my daughter-in-law, actually my favourite, passed by at lunchtime, so I was at the airport to greet her.
She was on her way to pick up her adopted child here from Iqaluit and she was going to return today without having to sleepover.
This makes it even better in my eyes, absolutely astounding, and I am extremely happy that she was given a child to adopt.
Mr. Speaker, this situation is especially heart-warming for those of us who have grandchildren as they are particularly endearing.
I now have 36 grandchildren, as this child is now No. 36, and I am absolutely ecstatic as the grandfather.
I ask my colleagues to share in this celebration of our newest granddaughter from Iqaluit.
Member’s Statement 355 – 4(3): Cruise Ship Visits This Summer (Joanasie)
Good afternoon wishes to my colleagues, residents of Nunavut, Kimmirut, and Cape Dorset.
Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to speak about the cruise ships that had a successful summer in South Baffin.