EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Ed. Picco: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would raise a Point of Order, if that’s what’s necessary.
I raise a Point of Order at this time for the Honourable Member, Mr. Curley, to withdraw his statement, his innuendo, concerning cookie jars and interference in the House.
Mr. Curley, to the Point of Order.
Mr. Curley: Thank you, for entertaining us on that, Mr. Chairman. When I use the word “maybe,” is that an allegation? Is that a clear cut allegation?
It’s just like saying, “I’m not sure whether that the minister has really had an influence on the Building Canada Fund or any other fund.” That’s just a speculation. Speculation, I don’t believe is an allegation, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): We will go through the Hansard and we’ll have a ruling on the Point of Order.
We are dealing with (interpretation ends) Economic Development and Transportation.
Detail of Capital. Transportation.
Mr. Curley: Thank you. I would like to tell the Minister of CGS that, mainly the fact that the Building Canada Fund had been raised since yesterday not so much by members here on this side but by the minister, it’s important that she fully explain to us where the status of the guidelines is, if any, and would the new projects for Nunavut communities qualify versus existing ones that are being carried out by the various departments.
It’s important that we have that information.
So I would like, not now, but the minister read my question carefully on the record tomorrow and maybe she can provide an explanation next week.
Ms. Brown, I would like to ask you if you wish to respond to the question.
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Yes, thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Please proceed, Ms. Brown.
I don’t think that I have to get up.
(interpretation ends) Under that new initiative called the Building Canada Fund, it’s a new program. All jurisdictions in Canada got funding. Whether big or small, they got $25 million, around that figure; $25 million.
It’s guaranteed funding and it’s from 2007 to 2014.
Other departments will be able to receive funding from there. ED&T is one of them, along with CLEY and Environment. I’m not sure if other departments, maybe the Departments of Education and Health.
Anyhow, the details are being worked out right now.
This is the funding that we heard about, the $240 million in guaranteed funding.
Pardon me, I said I had my briefing notes but it’s not the right one.
Anyhow, it’s got a lot of components in it. I know under CGS, we’ll be looking at different areas.
One of them, I’m not understanding what it means, Brownfield Program.
So I have to get a full detailed briefing on what they mean by Brownfield.
This is good news because it’s equal for all jurisdictions, like I said earlier.
So I really like that part because it wasn’t allotted per capita, but instead, it’s $25 million for all jurisdictions in Canada.
If I had my briefing note, I would go further, but at this point I’ll stop here. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Brown. We’re on (interpretation ends) Economic Development and Transportation. Detail of Capital.
Qikiqtaaluk Region. Total Qikiqtaaluk Region. $6,770,000. Does the committee agree?
Chairman: Total Tangible Assets. $7,970,000. Does the committee agree?
Chairman: We’ll go back to page K-4. Economic Development and Transportation. Department Summary.
Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $9,470,000. Does the committee agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Are we agreed that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation is concluded?
Thank you, Mr. Minister. If you have any closing comments, I’m giving you the opportunity. Welcome, Rosemary.
Thank you to my staff for their valuable assistance as always. To the members, the commitments that we did make, we follow on them by providing necessary information.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort them out of the witness table.
I would like to ask the members if they would like to deal with the Legislative Assembly and the Speaker.
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Legislative Assembly
Sergeant-at-Arms, if you would escort the Speaker and his officials to the witness table, please.
Welcome, Speaker.
At this time I would like to ask you if you have any opening remarks, Mr. Speaker.
Yes, I do have opening remarks for my colleagues.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues.
It is a pleasure for me to appear before you and Members today to present the 2008-09 Capital Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
As members will note, the 2008-09 Capital Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly amount to just over one percent of the Government of Nunavut’s total planned capital spending for the coming fiscal year.
Our capital budget continues to be modest and responsible.
The Assembly’s capital estimates for 2008-09 continue to include an annual allocation dedicated to our capital reserve for the long-term vision of a new facility.
This reserve will increase over time and will allow funds to be available to a future Assembly for the planning and design of a new legislative precinct.
Our other priority areas for the coming fiscal year include:
Ongoing investments in equipment and furniture renewal for the Chamber and members’ offices;
Further enhancements and upgrades to the Legislative Assembly’s audiovisual and information technology systems; and
Replacement of Elections Nunavut equipment.
That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chairman. I would be pleased to answer any questions that members may have.
Do you have officials you would like to bring to the table?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses in.
Although we are quite strange to your officials, but for the record, perhaps, Mr. Speaker, could you introduce your officials?
If you didn’t know my officials from the Legislative Assembly, to my right, Mr. Quirke, and to my left, Mr. Pollock, will be here with me.
I would like to ask the members if they have any general comments.
We’ll start with the review of the Capital Estimates for the Legislative Assembly.
We’ll start with page A-6. (interpretation ends) Office of the Assembly. Detail of Capital.
Office of the Clerk. Tangible Assets. Total Headquarters Region. $825,000.
I would like to ask one brief question, although I didn’t ask the question during the review of this.
I would like to ask a question, Mr. Speaker, in regard to the vehicles that we use. There are only two vehicles belonging to the Legislative Assembly and they seem to be getting old.
So I would like to know how they replace them and how they replace the government vehicles.
When they sell the vehicles, how old are the vehicles that belong to the Legislative Assembly?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Curley. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker.
The replacement of the vehicles is in the capital estimates, but Mr. Pollock can tell you when we purchased the vehicles. We do have plans for 2010-11 to replace the vehicles.
Very quickly, I would like to ask a question on the audiovisual system upgrade, and more on the issue and concern that we had raised many times in this House related to television coverage of our session and the concerns in various regions that we’re not able to get coverage at some times.
I wonder if you can, for the public view, perhaps, briefly explain what the Legislative Assembly has done to provide services to Nunavummiut so that Nunavut Legislative Assembly sessions are broadcasted throughout the territory just for their information.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Aglukkaq. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and also my colleagues.
We have been carrying out our plans to date.
We have continued to look for ways to broadcast our sessions and how we can improve our profile in the communities.
At this time, the current situation is very good. For the next session, the communities will have more discretion on what they want to watch. So we’ll be able to broadcast the session and the people will have more choices in what languages they would like to watch in the next session.
That’s good news for us.
Would that also include radio coverage?
We’re now planning on broadcasting on TV and broadcasting on radio will not change.
So we’ll move on page A-6. (interpretation ends) Office of the Legislative Assembly. Detail of Capital. Office of the Clerk.
Tangible Assets. Total Headquarters Region. $825,000.
Chairman: Total Tangible Assets. $825,000. Does the committee agree?
Chairman: Headquarters Region. Total Headquarters Region. $70,000. Does the committee agree?
Chairman: Total Computer Hardware and Software. $70,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Now, go to page A-8.
Office of the Legislative Assembly. Detail of Capital. Expenditures on Behalf of Members.
Tangible Assets. Headquarters Region. Total Headquarters Region. $111,000.
Chairman: Questions?
My question on that line, the description says, “Election Year MLA Furniture and Equipment.” What equipment and furniture is being purchased in prep for election year?
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Aglukkaq. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): I’m sorry, which page is my colleague talking about? (interpretation ends).
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.  Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
If you can state which line item you are referring to.
I’m referring to page A-8 in regard to Election Year MLA Furniture and Equipment. Total Headquarters Region. $111,000 and the other one, $124,000.
For five years, we have been using furniture and equipment in the Offices of Members of the Legislative Assembly and also in the constituency offices. Those are to replace the furniture and equipment, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq (interpretation): Thank you. That’s it.
Now, go to the (interpretation ends) Office of the Legislative Assembly. Detail of Capital. Expenditures on Behalf of Members.
Chairman: Total Tangible Assets. $111,000.
Chairman: Headquarters Region. Total Headquarters Region. $124,000.
Chairman: Total Computer Hardware and Software. $124,000.
Chairman: Now, go to page A-10. Office of the Legislative Assembly. Detail of Capital.
Tangible Assets. Headquarters Region. Total Headquarters Region. $30,000.
Chairman: Total Tangible Assets. $30,000.
Chairman: We’ll go back to page A-1, sorry, A-4. Office of the Legislative Assembly. Department Summary.
Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $1,160,000.
Chairman: Are we agreed that the Office of the Legislative Assembly is concluded?
Sorry. Mr. Premier.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have never had the opportunity to ask a question, so I would like to ask a question.
I would like to ask a question in regard to the budget for purchasing of arts and crafts.
I was wondering if that is included in the capital estimates and I would just like to know where it is.
I think there’s a record here.
There have been two ministers asking during question period today.
There’s no funding for new arts and crafts purchases, and also, just to let everyone know that we have already purchased artwork and hand crafts, and there’s no funding for that line item.
If the Premier would like to move onto this side, he is so welcome.
I know we’re dealing with capital estimates, but with regard to the Hansard Blues, sometimes when we want assistance, we need to fax them out to our constituency assistants.
The Blues are very difficult to fax to our constituency assistants in the communities, but last year or the year before, I asked a question requesting that they use white paper.
What is the progress on this?
At this time the colour of the Hansard Blues, if they’re going to be sent to the communities, your constituency assistants can use plain white paper.
They can be photocopied onto plain white paper. There’s no problem when you are taking that information from the computer.
We’re on (interpretation ends) the Office of the Assembly.
Department Summary. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $1,160,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Are we agreed that the Office of the Legislative Assembly is concluded?
If you have any closing remarks, Mr. Speaker, I will allow you do so.
I would like to thank the ministers and the members for their questions.
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses.
At this time I would like to ask the Minister of Health and Social Services if she has any opening comments. I asked you if you would you like to make your opening comments, Minister Aglukkaq.
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Health & Social Services
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Mr. Chairman, I’m ready to proceed.
Speaker (interpretation): Please proceed, Minister Aglukkaq.
Thank you for the opportunity to present the Capital Estimates for 2008-09 for the Department of Health and Social Services.
Once my staff is here I will introduce them, once they are at the witness table.
Our capital budget is very focused for 2008-09.
We had to make some hard choices. We recognize the financial limitations the government as a whole faces.
We are working hard to balance, in ways financial and ethical, the very real needs of Nunavummiut and our ability to meet them.
The department is proposing a capital budget totaling $14,373,000.
This would include:
$4,511,000 for the Qikiqtani General Hospital for the design and the renovations of the current regional hospital
$4,135,000 toward the construction of the Igloolik Continuing Care Centre, and
$4,527,000 toward the construction of the Gjoa Haven Continuing Care Centre
The capital expenditures proposed for 2008-09 are considerably lower than the past years, now that the construction of the major health centres for each region is nearing an end.
Using the five-year plan, the department will concentrate on the repair and maintenance of existing facilities until funds are available for their renovation or replacement.
We have asked the Department of Community and Government Services to carry out technical assessments of our aging facilities to help us prioritize the work required by these facilities.
I would note that the decision by full caucus to give priority to the new continuing care facilities back in Arviat 2004 has put pressures and continues to do so, in our plans in replacing the health centres in Taloyoak, Repulse Bay and Arctic Bay. Given these pressures we had to reorganize the following projects:
The replacement of the Arctic Bay Health Centre was in the department’s past five-year plans but has been deferred to future years upon the direction of the FMB.
Having said that, the department will be working with CG&S to obtain modification of the early design of the Repulse Bay Health Centre so that this design can be used for Taloyoak as well as Arctic Bay once construction funds become available in the GN’s capital plan.
The proposed purchase of a CT scanner for the Qikiqtani General Hospital has also been deferred to future years. In the meantime, the department will continue to seek alternative financing specifically from the appropriate federal government programs.
Given our fiscal pressures the proposed boarding home for the Kitikmeot in Cambridge Bay has been deferred to later in the capital plan.
The department is still having discussions with Health Canada regarding future boarding home initiatives in Nunavut.
At this point it is my hope that any future boarding homes in Nunavut would be cost neutral to the Government of Nunavut.
The department is continuing to conduct a review of its boarding home program with a view to:
Forecasting short to medium term demands for space.
Negotiating a revised revenue arrangement with Health Canada for Non-Insured Health Benefits related rates, to ensure that these services are offered at a cost-neutral basis for the Government of Nunavut.
Preparing Request for Proposal documents to extend existing spaces and acquire new spaces after negotiations with Health Canada are finalized.
We are ensuring that work will be done on all of our older facilities to maintain their integrity:
The $500,000 requested for Small Capital would be used for repairs such as boiler replacement, ventilation system improvements and the replacements of obsolete communication technology.
The $500,000 requested for Minor Projects would be used to replace medical/dental equipment and vehicles.
Our current five-year plan includes facility replacements for Repulse Bay and Taloyoak.
I have indicated the Arctic Bay Health Centre is still a priority for the department and it will be included in our next plan.
The aging condition of a building determines the priority to be given for its upgrading and/or replacement.
The Department of Health & Social Services is giving practical effect to the Pinasuaqtavut goal of healthy communities through its Capital Budget.
We are expanding residential care services in Nunavut for those who can no longer live at home for health reasons.
I look forward to your support for the 2008-09 Capital Estimates for the Department of Health & Social Services.
I welcome your comments and questions from the members on our capital plan submission.
At this time looking at the clock, I would like to move to report progress.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Tootoo. There is a motion on the floor and the motion is not debatable.
Abstentions. The motion is carried.
A reminder of meetings, there are four of them. At half past two this afternoon, the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Housing, and Economic Development in the Nanuq Boardroom.
At four o’clock, the Standing Committee on Government Operations, and Accountability at Tuktu Room.
On Monday at nine o’clock in the morning, the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Accountability in the Tuktu Boardroom.
At 10:30 a.m., a meeting of the Regular Caucus with the Minister of Finance in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for November 5:
This House stands adjourned until Monday, November 5, at 1:30 p.m.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Pages 2307 – 2372
Opening Prayer 2307
Ministers’ Statements 2307
Revert to Item 3: Members’ Statements 2310
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2315
Oral Questions 2316
Reports of Committees on the Review of Bills 2336
Tabled Documents 2337
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 2337
First Reading of Bills 2338
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2338
Chairman’s Ruling 2338
Point of Order 2363
Chairman’s Ruling 2363
Point of Order 2368
Point of Order 2369
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2370
Orders of the Day 2370
Monday, November 5, 2007 2307
110 – 2(4): Nutrition Framework for Action (Aglukkaq) 2307
111 – 2(4): National Native Firefighter Competition 2007 (Brown) 2308
112 – 2(4): Katjaqnaaq!
(Netser) 2309
113 – 2(4): Continuation of Priority Hiring Policy (Tapardjuk) 2310
241 – 2(4): Nunavut Arctic College Campus (Peterson) 2311
242 – 2(4): Tribute to our Youth (Tootoo) 2312
243 – 2(4): Regional Soccer Tournament (Arvaluk) 2313
244 – 2(4): Public Awareness on Elections for Youth (Curley) 2314
245 – 2(4): Encouragement & Recognition of Youth (Arreak) 2314
246 – 2(4): Gun Legislation (Kattuk) 2315
315 – 2(4): Status of Gun Legislation (Kattuk) 2316
316 – 2(4): Report on Staff Housing Review (Peterson) 2317
317 – 2(4): Update on U.S.A.’s Proposed Listing of Polar Bears as Threatened Species (Curley) 2319
318 – 2(4): Foster Parent Payments Processing (Tootoo) 2321
319 – 2(4): Update on Repulse Bay School (Mapsalak) 2323
320 – 2(4): Broken Utilidor at Resolute Bay (Barnabas) 2325
321 – 2(4): Overflow Guidelines for Winnipeg Medical Boarding Home (Curley) 2326
322 – 2(4): Priority Hiring Policy Procedures (Tootoo) 2328
323 – 2(4): Medical Travel for Breastfeeding Mothers (Arreak) 2330
324 – 2(4): Response to Question on Polar Bear Study (Kattuk) 2331
325 – 2(4): Stage of “Closer to Home” Strategy (Peterson) 2333
003 – 2(4): Review of Bill 4, Workers’ Compensation Act (Tootoo) 2336
004 – 2(4): Review of Bill 19, Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, No. 2 (Tootoo) 2336
144 – 2(4): Auditor General of Canada’s Report on the Audit of the Nunavut Business Credit Corporation to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut – 2007 (Speaker) 2337
145 – 2(4): Nutrition in Nunavut: A Framework for Action (Aglukkaq) 2337
Bill 22 – Engineers & Geoscientists Act – Notice 2337
Bill 20 – Midwifery Profession Act – First Reading 2338
Bill 21 – Education Act – First Reading 2338
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Health & Social Services 2340
Speaker (Hon. Peter Kilabuk)(interpretation): Thank you. I would like to ask Mr. Netser to say the opening prayer. Mr. Netser.
Premier, Ministers, and Members, welcome. Thank you for coming back.
Minister’s Statement 110 – 2(4): Nutrition Framework for Action (Aglukkaq)
The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to Pinasuaqtavut, and I am proud we support Nunavummiut in achieving and maintaining Niqittiavaknit NirinasuaqniqI, healthy eating.
It is my pleasure to release Nunavut’s first Nutritional Framework for Action.
Our government is committed to building and developing healthy communities, this Nutritional Framework for Action compliments the Public Health Strategy for Nunavut, which must be community driven.
It takes partnership in achieving this goal.
Improving the nutrition and physical activity of Nunavummiut is not easy.
It presents us with major challenges personally and socially.
Mr. Speaker, healthy eating is fundamental to fostering healthy people and healthy communities.
The Nutritional Framework for Action is a plan that offers a path to go forward in healthy living.
It sets the parameters for creating tangible changes.
Mr. Speaker, the framework for action calls for an integrated holistic approach to addressing our nutritional needs.
Most importantly, it calls for partnership.
Partnership is an integral tool in supporting realistic approaches to all aspects of health.
Communities and government are connected and reliant on each other in creating environments that support healthy lifestyles, to care for those in need, to establish common goals, and to secure the resources needed to achieve our goals.
Good nutrition is basic to health, not only physical health, but also social, cultural and emotional health.
The nutritional challenges we see today are a result of rapidly growing commercialization and modernization of our global society, and the effects of such transformation has us on socially and culturally.
Mr. Speaker, we once relied exclusively on the land, the sea, the rivers and the lakes to provide food very high in nutritional value.
Today, Mr. Speaker, we need to optimize all the resources available, and consume both traditional and nutritious store bought foods.
Eating healthy food nourishes the body and gives us energy.
Healthy eating is fundamental to good health and healthy human development, from the prenatal and early childhood periods on into our later years. We can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases by making healthy food choices.
Mr. Speaker, later on today, during the break, we’ll be having a table set up outside in the hallway that will provide some samples of nutritional foods.
Minister’s Statement 111 – 2(4): National Native Firefighter Competition 2007 (Brown)
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to acknowledge a team of dedicated firefighters who participated in a recent national firefighter competition.
In August of this year a group of 22 firefighters from across Nunavut gathered in Iqaluit to train and participate in a firefighting skills seminar.
From this group, a team of six competitors were chosen to represent Nunavut at the National Native Firefighter Competition 2007, which was held in Kahnawake Quebec.
Other participating teams consisted of the winners from Provincial skills training and in competition against these more experienced teams the Nunavut team proudly finished in seventh place.
Mr. Speaker, this is only the second time that firefighters from Nunavut have participated in this national event.