EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Chairperson (interpretation): Nobody opposes.
Nunavut Housing Corporation, operations and maintenance.
Not previously authorized, total Nunavut Housing Corporation, 1 million 633 thousand.
When Mr. Tootoo was asking a question to the Minister of Finance, he provided detailed information on the fuel increase.
Is this part of it or is it all on its own.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: It was subsequent to that information.
As you know, I indicated like the Nunavut homeowners’ heating fuel rebate of 720 thousand that was recently approved through the Financial Management Board.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I will try again.
When Mr. Tootoo was asking a question on the fuel price increase, is this related to the information that he had tabled.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Yes, part of it is, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): What portion of it is part of it and what portion of it is not there.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman the portion that would be included would be the impact of increased fuel prices to local housing organizations.
The part that wasn’t was the heating fuel rebate that was approved subsequent to that document.
You still have any further comments. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
There are two parts to this.
To provide funding for the 913 thousand for the impact of increased fuel costs on local housing organizations and that is geared towards the local housing organizations. Also to provide funding of 720 thousand for heating fuel rebates for Nunavut homeowners.
I think it was 450 dollars, that was the subsidy provided by the Housing Corporation, is that part of it.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Yes, this is that program.
Chairperson (interpretation): We are still on page 10.
Total Nunavut Housing Corporation, 1 million 633 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total department, 1 million 633 thousand.
Community Government and Transportation, capital.
Total Community Government 500 thousand dollars.
How much money did you plan for this because we now have a not previously authorized.
We usually plan for 5 years.
Why was this not part of the 5 year plan and how much of it have you expended so far.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, in the current year's capital, the appropriation was 1.9 million dollars and that was based on a 1998 arena of similar design and that is why when Public Works updated the project prior to a tender call they estimated that there will be an additional 500 thousand dollars required because of increased costs since 1998.
That's why we've come forward for the additional 500 thousand dollars for this project prior to Public Works going to tender.
Under the capital estimates, under Community Government & Transportation, what I'm trying to say is in Kimmirut, a new arena, 1.09 million, has already been planned since last year.
And this 500 thousand dollars, I would like to ask for the fiscal 2001/2002, will they be completing the construction of that facility.
Is that why that's the case because the other facilities for two or three years, in phases, will this be built in one phase.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: No, we don't believe it will be built in one phase but the fact remains that they needed to approve the budget amount before they go for tender.
This year it doesn't look like it's going to be built.
It will more than likely be a capital carry over project.
Similar to others that may not be finished by the end of the fiscal year Mr. Chairman.
Chairperson (interpretation): Any further questions. Mr. Havioyak.
You mentioned these costs of the project itself, is it because of this, for the record I guess, the cost of the contractors increased their costs.
You award a contract for so much, did they increase their contract to build this arena.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, it hasn't got to that stage yet because of the fact that the original estimates were based on 1998 prices.
Public Works expects that it will be at least 500 thousand dollars over the 1.9 million dollars that’s allocated.
That's why they've come forward for the request to upgrade the capital amount so they can go for tender and have the actual tenders take place.
The contractors, they have the figures they submit that number.
Is it the design, you mentioned a 1998 design.
The costs of those designs, there's an increase.
Is that how I'm understanding it.
Maybe the contractor raised their price to build this place.
I'm just trying to get clarification on that.
I'll try to explain it again.
The 1998 arena of similar design was tendered out by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
So there's some historical data there.
Since that time, it's three years later now, it's expected we know that construction costs have gone up because material costs have gone up over the past three years, operating costs have gone up over the past three years.
The expectation is that there's going to be another 500 thousand dollars required for this project.
Community Government & Transportation has requested that 500 thousand dollars in order to allow Public Works to go to tender.
Now I hope that explains it to the member.
I'm very proud that Kimmirut will be getting a nice expensive facility.
Perhaps it's going to be beautiful.
So therefore I would like to ask an additional question.
How many more years do you expect it will take to complete this arena.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Well, I can't say, that’s up to Public Works, I would think that we have to approve it before it goes to tender, now we're getting near the end of the fiscal year, so more than likely the tender would be out in time for the current summer sealift and construction of 2001, so the bulk of it would be done realistically, they’re probably looking at 2002 for completion, now given the normal capital process. So there's a two year cycle, minimum of a two year cycle.
This 500 thousand for the Kimmirut arena project, you said we're going to be expending some of these funds for the next fiscal year or it could be carried over, perhaps we can lower the number, down to 400 thousand and then next year if there's a carry over, we'll add another additional 100 thousand.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Chairman, it's based on the best estimates of the Department of Public Works and Services, based on their experience right now and having tendered all the forms and contracts and knowing generally how much of an increase it's been from past experience for tenders and construction.
I think what we have to do is go with their best estimates, and hopefully it'll be under budget.
Before we actually go tender, we won't know, you know what the actual cost will be.
If there's a surplus we have to carry it over to the next fiscal year and we'll have to deal with another supplementary appropriation.
The reason why I'm asking this question, perhaps we can do another, we can put an additional 100 thousand dollars for next year and put in 400 thousand right now and use the 100 thousand dollars for the Pond Inlet arena.
I was thinking along that line.
That's why I was asking for a reduction.
I would say that if there was a specific need in Pond Inlet for their arena needs, then Community Government & Transportation would be receptive.
They would have to over the course of the year, address many issues by internal reallocations similar to what is in the House right now.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Thank you, for the explanation, if there's going to be surplus from this figure, would you be able to agree to have this reduced after April 1.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Well, Mr. Chairman I couldn't agree to that, you know the process for getting the tender itself out, it's going to run past, I guess we’re now in March 20th, 10 or 11 days away from the end of the fiscal year so the likelihood of having a tender out and completed by that time would almost be non-existent.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I understood that, you have stated that it is possible that not all this money may be spent in the next year if they do not complete the construction.
You stated that the capital cycle is about two years, and I know we'll have to approve the main estimates for next year.
Next year I'm sure that we can set aside 100 thousand dollars to complete the Kimmirut arena.
Now perhaps I could discuss this matter with you after April 1.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Well I am always open to discuss matters.
I guess it is a matter of how we try to deal with it Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): I was just going to ask a question that the other communities, how do you provide funding for the arenas in the other communities before.
I just wanted to ask how you used to provide funding for arenas.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: That is an issue Mr. Chairman, that really should be ruled out of order, in relation to what we are dealing with.
But I mean it is something that is probably more appropriate for the Department of Community Government & Transportation’s Minister to answer as that policy falls under his jurisdiction.
Chairperson (interpretation): Anything further. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): When you want a community hall or a community arena, I know that it is a very challenging job.
I was asking if we could just reduce this, but I know it varies, I know that we all have needs, so I agree with it.
Chairperson (interpretation): That was not a question.
Community Government & Transportation. Capital.
Total Community Government, 500 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total department, 500 thousand.
Turning to the next page. Nunavut Housing Corporation, capital.
Total Housing Corporation, 2 million 66 thousand.
Mr. Arvaluk: I don’t know if this is the right minister to ask these questions, but. Is there any way, maybe I will be ruled out of order. Is there any way to build public housing for less than 210 thousand, 666 dollars and 66 cents.
Is there any way at all. No.
Because that’s what we were going to have to build public housing units.
That’s what the average is. Some of them probably more.
Is there any way we could find a little bit cheaper way to cut down on the public housing crisis.
Mr. Chairman, I believe the Housing Corporation is always looking for efficiencies in the design, efficiencies in the delivery side to minimize the costs of all their programs.
These houses were built last summer. During this winter they have completed 100 units.
Then the tender process must have been acceptable to build those 100 units.
How do we then require an additional 2 million dollars when the houses have already been completed.
Mr. Chairman the budget was based on the actual tenders that were let by the Housing Corporation ended up being over for all the 100 units to the tune of the 2 million 66 thousand dollars before you. I mean there was a wide range of other tenders for the units.
There was a low of 302 thousand dollars in Cambridge Bay to a high of 427 thousand dollars in Sanikiluaq.
So I mean obviously the Housing Corporation could have made a decision that they were over budget and cut back on the delivery of the public housing units.
But I don’t think they felt that was in the best public interest and that’s why they proceeded.
That’s why the request is here because of the additional cost overruns based on the actual tenders of 2 million 66 thousand dollars.
So the Housing Corporation had to eat that 2 million 66 thousand first before you came to us for Supplementary 2 in that regards.
So the money is already spent up to 21 million 66 thousand.
Mr. Chairman, the money wasn’t necessarily spent but certainly the commitment had been made by the fact that they accepted the contracts for the units.
As members know, since the construction season when the costs were coming in, we hadn’t had an opportunity to sit and that’s why it is before the Legislature now.
Mr. Arvaluk: Do you have any idea as to what percentage of local contractors were used out of that 100 public units.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: I know the Housing Corporation minister responsible has the information and if the members want it can be provided.
In the main estimates we agreed to money going towards the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
We are going to deal with the main estimates. There is 21 million approved.
If we are going to keep having to authorize money to be used over what was previously approved, I am wondering if we will have to approve another 21 million next year to go towards contractors.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Well I can’t say how much we would or wouldn’t approve next year because we haven’t gotten there yet, Mr. Chairman.
Could the minister say what that 2 million 66 thousand is going to be used for.
Is it for contractors and other.
It is for the delivery of the 100 public housing units.
So it is the cost over the 16 million dollars that was approved in the current year budget.
So it is inclusive for everything, the materials, the shipping to the contractors themselves as far as delivery of those houses, the 100 public housing units.
Chairperson (interpretation): Are you done. Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): In 2001 I think next year I think we are going to have to make sure that we don’t under budget the department for such items.
Chairperson (interpretation): Anything further Mr. Iqaqrialu.
We are now under Nunavut Housing Corporation, capital. Not previously authorized.
Total Nunavut Housing Corporation, 2 million 66 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total department, 2 million 66 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): We will go back to page 2.
Operations & maintenance appropriation, 9 million 985 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Turn the page. Page 3, schedule 2.
Capital appropriation 2 million 566 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total appropriations, 12 million 551 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): We have completed Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation, No. 2, 2000-2001.
Turn to page 1.
On Bill 2, Supplementary Appropriation, No. 2, 2000-2001, page 1.
Definitions. Clause 1.
Do the members have copies. Clause 3.
Chairperson (interpretation): Schedule, part 1.
We are on page 3.
Total operations and maintenance, 9 million 985 thousand.
Total capital, 2 million 566 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Total supplementary appropriation in parts 1 and 2, 12 million 566 thousand.
Chairperson (interpretation): Bill 2 is ready for third reading.
We have completed that item. What is the wish of the committee.
Mr. Minister thank you for appearing in front of the committee, would you like to have any closing remarks.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Yes, I would just like to thank Mr. Vardy and Mr. Tootoo for their work today.
We could ask the Speaker to return to the House.
Okay we can ask the Speaker to return to the House.
Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 2, and Bill 1 and would like to report that Bill 2 is ready for third reading.
Bill 1 is still under consideration and the committee would like to report progress.
Is there a seconder. Do we have a seconder. Mr. Alakannuark.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 21:
This House will remain adjourned until March 21 at 10 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 7.50 p.m.
Wednesday March 21, 2001
Pages 836 - 931
Acting Speaker: Mr. Donald Havioyak, M.L.A. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Election of Acting Speaker 4
Third Reading of Bills 4
Wednesday March 21, 2001 4
039 – 1(5): Government of Nunavut Staffing Capacity and IEP (Ng) 4
040 – 1(5): Nunavut Public Libraries Receives 486 Thousand Dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Kilabuk) 4
041 – 1(5): Appointment of Remaining Nunavut Power Corporation Board Members (Picco) 4
131– 1(5): Celebration of Spring (Arvaluk) 4
132 - 1(5): Support for Businesses (Iqaqrialu) 4
133 - 1(5): Traditional Lifestyle Change (Irqittuq) 4
134 - 1(5): Nunavut Youth Abroad (Anawak) 4
135 - 1(5): Translation of Income Tax Forms (Picco) 4
136 - 1(5): Working Language & Customs in the Legislative Assembly (Williams) 4
153 - 1(5): Nunavut Tourism Funding (Arvaluk) 4
154 - 1(5): Workers' Compensation Board Coverage for Hunters & Trappers (Iqaqrialu) 4
155 - 1(5): Fuel Assistance for Outpost Camps (Irqittuq) 4
156 – 1(5): Name of Akitsiraq Law School (Nutarak) 4
157 - 1(5): Summer Student Employment Outside GN (McLean) 4
158 – 1(5): Alternative Sentencing Committees (Williams) 4
159 - 1(5): Special Education Teachers (Alakannuark) 4
160 – 1(5): Resource Development Agreement (Iqaqrialu) 4
161 - 1(5): Hall Beach School Update (Irqittuq) 4
162 - 1(5): Six Hundred Unfilled Positions (McLean) 4
163 – 1(5): Elders' Societies (Nutarak) 4
164 – 1(5): Staff Housing for Decentralization (Irqittuq) 4
011 – 1(5): Kivalliq Partners (McLean) 4
017 – 1(5): Letter from Prime Minister regarding Gun Legislation (Okalik) 4
018 – 1(5): GN Employment Statistics (Ng) 4
Bill 3 - Utility Rate Review Council Act – Second Reading 4
Bill 2 - Supplementary Appropriation Act No. 2, 2000/2001 -Third Reading 4  Wednesday March 21, 2001
Honourable Olayuk Akesuk, Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. James Arvaluk, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo, Ms. Rebekah Williams.
Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Ullaakkut.
Members of the Legislative Assembly, in accordance with Section 42(2) of the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act it is my duty to inform the members of the unavoidable absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker due to family medical problems.
It is necessary to select a member to take the chair and act as Speaker.
Are there any nominations from the floor.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: I would like to nominate Mr. Nutarak.
Clerk: I am sorry, Ms. Thompson, we couldn’t hear you through the microphone.
Could you please repeat your nomination.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.
Clerk: Madam Thompson, could you please repeat your nomination, it didn’t come through the translation system.
Hon. Manitok Thompson: Thank you, Mr. Clerk. I would like to nominate Mr. Nutarak as Acting Speaker.
Thank you.  Clerk: Mr. Nutarak do you accept this nomination.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): No. I decline.
Clerk: Are there any more nominations.
Hon. Paul Okalik: Thank you. I wish to nominate Mr. Havioyak as Acting Speaker.
Clerk: Member for Kugluktuk, do you accept the nomination.
Mr. Havioyak: I accept.
Clerk: Any further nominations. Mr. Arvaluk.
Mr. Arvaluk: I move that nominations cease.
Clerk: Thank you. Member for Kugluktuk, could you please take the Chair as Speaker.
>>Mr. Havioyak takes the Chair as Acting Speaker
Acting Speaker (Mr. Havioyak): Thank you. I would like to ask Ms. Thompson to say the prayer for us this morning.
First of all I would like to say that Speaker Kevin O’Brien is not here today as you are all aware.
I would like to let you know that his daughter is in the hospital.
We wish her a speedy recovery.
(interpretation ends) Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 039 – 1(5): Government of Nunavut Staffing Capacity and IEP
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to provide Members of the Legislative Assembly with the Government of Nunavut’s third quarter staffing capacity and Inuit employment statistics for 2000-2001.
Mr. Speaker, as of December 31, 2000, 79% of the 2,789 positions within the departments, boards and agencies of the Government of Nunavut are filled.
Of the 2,195 filled positions, beneficiaries occupy 941 or 43% of the filled positions.
Mr. Speaker, although the overall Inuit employment has dropped by two percent from this time last year, the total number of Inuit employment has increased by 3.2% from 911 Inuit employees to 941 employees.
This is a positive development even as we face competition for the same skilled labour force from the federal government, Inuit organizations and other private organizations.
Mr. Speaker, our staffing division has been aggressive in initiating 115 competitions during the third quarter of this fiscal year.
We have made progress during this quarter, but we do realize that we face many challenges in achieving our goals of full capacity and a representative public service.
Mr. Speaker, the government continues to be fully committed in working towards filling the capacity of our public service and ensuring that it is representative of our territory’s population.
Minister’s Statement 040 – 1(5): Nunavut Public Libraries Receives 486 Thousand Dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in June of 2000, a delegation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation visited Nunavut in order to assess whether the government and libraries were ready to apply for grant funding that would assist with Internet connectivity and librarian training for computers donated under the grant.
Nunavut was subsequently asked to submit a proposal to the foundation.
A final proposal was submitted in February of 2001.
Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Nunavut’s grant application has been accepted by the foundation.
The final decision to accept Nunavut’s application was announced to the department on March 14, following the budget approval by the Legislative Assembly on March 6, to increase the Library budget by 17%.
This decision gave the foundation the confidence that Nunavut had a plan to connect computers donated under the grant program to the Internet, train librarians and the public to use them, and is able to sustain support for libraries, and thus for computers under the grants program.
Mr. Speaker, the grant will fund the installation of 27 computers and Internet access to 11 Nunavut public libraries as well as two mobile laptop labs used for training library patrons.
Separately, Microsoft Canada will donate software with a retail value of 124 thousand 445 dollars to all libraries receiving foundation grants.
Week long training for several library staff in Seattle, upgraded hardware to provide wireless Internet access for libraries and one help desk station are also included in the gift.
Further training sessions for librarians will take place in Nunavut.
Education Nunavut has developed several partnerships for training and technical support to library staff.
Given the geographic isolation of Nunavut’s 11 community libraries, their ability to offer free Internet and computer access to the general public is enthusiastically welcomed.
Mr. Speaker, the Foundation Grant will serve as a catalyst for libraries to attract community members and offer a wider range of resources as well as training.
Implementation will have been completed for all 11 community libraries by the fall of this year.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kilabuk. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 041 – 1(5): Appointment of Remaining Nunavut Power Corporation Board Members
Hon. Ed Picco: Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and welcome to the Honoured Speaker’s chair. Mr. Speaker, as you know, several months ago I had the pleasure of appointing five exceptional, exceptional Mr. Speaker, people to the Nunavut Power Corporation’s first Board of Directors.
Today, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce to this Assembly that I have recently filled the final two seats on this board.
These two seats were reserved for individuals selected by the other board members for their specific expertise in the management and operations of large public utilities.
Mr. Speaker, I would like you and this House to welcome with me, Mr. Barry Gessnor and Mr. Bill Shanks to the Board of Directors of the Nunavut Power Corporation and to this Assembly today.
Mr. Gessnor, who resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, brings substantial, Mr. Speaker substantial, expertise in financial management of major electrical utilities.
Mr. Shanks, also a native of Manitoba, brings a lifelong experience with operational utilities management and as you know, Mr. Speaker, was involved with the Ikuma Report which we tabled in the Assembly in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, as you know we are now 10 days, 10 days Mr. Speaker, away from the operational launch of our very own Nunavut Power Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, over the next several days you may expect the release of detailed information about this significant event. Again, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity along with this House, if you would join me in welcoming these two fine individuals on the Nunavut Power Corporation Board.