EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
First supplementary, I received [correspondence] by fax from a constituent of Repulse Bay who has not attained the age of 60, but he’s having difficulty maintaining his home because he did not have the sufficient to pay for fuel and power bills.
So will the minister inform this House where this person would get help in order to pay for his monthly power bills and heating fuel?
Mr. Speaker, homeowners do have difficulty at times in paying for their number of expenses.
If a homeowner encounters that, I would suggest that they go to their local LHOs to get assistance and once it’s reviewed, eventually down onto the regional district offices. I suggest to the member that the person writes a letter and take it from there, Mr. Speaker.
Oral Questions. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Schell.
Question 555 – 3(3): Status of Kimmirut Airport (Schell)
As the minister will recall, I asked questions on March 7, 2011 concerning Kimmirut’s airport.
At that time, his responses to my questions indicated that his department would be “undertaking work on the runway surface and on the airport electrical system.”
Can the minister confirm if this work was successfully completed?
Mr. Speaker, I understood that there’s ongoing work that was taking place. There are a certain number of phases that were ongoing.
Once I get that information from my officials, I will certainly share it with the member.
The minister’s responses to my questions in 2011 also indicated that the department would “consider allocating funds to a preliminary study on the feasibility of relocating the airport” after it had “completed the required resurfacing of the runway.”
Can the minister indicate if the department has initiated this much needed study into developing a new airport for Kimmirut?
There are a lot of needs within the 25 communities when it comes to the airport facilities and Kimmirut is one of them.
As I indicated, once I get the finer details of what actually happened there, I will get back to the member with the details and the report.
As the minister is aware, the need for a new airport has been a top priority for the community of Kimmirut for many years.
We know that Iqaluit is getting a new international airport.
Can the minister indicate what would be the approximate cost of a new airport for Kimmirut?
I’m not going to assume a certain figure for construction of an airport in Kimmirut. I don’t have those figures in front of me.
Usually, in the early days of estimating actual costs of whether it’s renovations and upgrading of the airport, I don’t have those figures in front of me, Mr. Speaker.
Question 556 – 3(3): Update on the Resolute Bay Utilidor System (Elliott)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the minister, our MP, and the federal government for their commitment of capital dollars to the community of Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, last year’s capital budget saw a commitment of $32 million to the Resolute Bay utilidor system.
Could the minister provide an update on the progress of this project?
Gladly, Mr. Speaker. There has been a lot of work between the different levels of government in working towards the Resolute Bay utilidor work.
Mr. Speaker, as I understand it, the construction tender documents are expected to be issued some time this spring.
When the program was initially introduced to the community, the department committed to keeping the community informed about the progress of the project on a regular basis.
Could the minister explain how his department is communicating with the community of Resolute Bay on this huge infrastructure project?
As I said, the tender documents will just be awarded in the next couple months.
Following that, the equipment has to arrive on the sealift and we will keep the community informed as to its progress as it proceeds. Most of it will be visual.
You will see the actual earthwork happening in the community, but if there are other work that are happening in the community that are not visual, our department will work closely with the municipal government there to ensure that whatever communication needs to be done with the municipality is done in a timely manner.
Currently, the utilidor is struggling to keep up with the demand of the community.
From what I have been told, for every 250 litres that flow through the system, 150 litres go missing.
This is a tremendous expense on the community.
At the same time, some residents, because of freeze-ups, have been without water for a number of weeks.
What is the department doing to provide adequate service to the community until the new system is operational?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Mr. Speaker, our department is working very hard to ensure that the system keeps going, trying to keep it from freezing up.
We live in the harshest territory, but they live in one of the harshest communities within the harshest territory, Mr. Speaker. With failing equipment like that, I commend our staff to try to keep the system working, Mr. Speaker.
They work tirelessly and a lot of water has to flow through the utilidor in order to keep it from freezing, Mr. Speaker.
Currently, the new arena and the RCMP buildings in Resolute Bay are not a part of the utilidor system and receive service through trucked service.
During my most recent constituency visit, the issue was raised as to whether or not these new infrastructure projects would be connected to the new utilidor system that would be provided to the community.
Could the minister clarify if the new arena and the RCMP buildings would be included in this infrastructure?
In a nutshell, I have no documentation I’m aware of that says that they wouldn’t be.
Question 557 – 3(3): Expediting the GN Hiring Process (Enook)
I wish to direct my question to the Minister of Human Resources.
Approximately two years ago, we debated the issue of job advertisements for positions that resulted in long periods before any candidate was chosen for the position.
Those of us from Nunavut have a preference to hire Nunavummiut for government positions, especially Inuit from our Nunavut communities.
Based on information that is available, we have been apprised that the interim period from when an advertisement is made for a position to the time it takes a candidate to be hired is approximately 300 days.
Can the minister provide an update whether or not the hiring process has been expedited?
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Enook. Minister responsible for the Department of Human Resources, Minister Ell.
I am unsure which number of days he is referring to. Is the member talking about the number of days the advertisement runs or is he talking about the length of time between advertisements?
At that time, prior to my assuming this ministerial position, there was a decision as to the number of days they would take to hire employees, which was a decision while Mr. Schell was the minister.
Further, we are always trying to improve the hiring process to lower the time period and this occurred. When the directors or other senior managers are aware of certain positions, they are required to discuss the position with their departmental staff.
They try to lower the number of days set for the hiring process and they have been able to lessen the number of days required for this process.
I also thank Madam Minister for her response.
With respect to the shortening of the hiring process and, if indeed, the number of days has been diminished, can the minister provide an update as to how many days it still takes for a candidate to find out about the successful placement for the position? I am asking for the number of days from the advertisement to the actual hiring.
Although I have that number somewhere amongst my briefing notes, I can’t find it right now.
Mr. Speaker, if my recollection is correct, I believe it is slightly over 100 days and the push was to shorten that further. We are still working to lower the amount of days for this process.
Once I have that information, I will ensure I pass it along to my colleague.
For this subject, perhaps if I rephrase my question to clarify the matter.
The minister’s response was that the period has been shortened. Now I wonder exactly what was done or what changes were made to lessen the amount of days for the hiring process.
There have been many improvements related to lessening the days required for the hiring process when you are talking about government civil service positions.
We have tried to make the hiring process more transparent.
With respect to the casual staffing actions, we have tried to lower the number of casual hires. Regarding the casual hires, we have tried to employ them for longer periods or in other words, retaining them.
As an example, there are many reasons for the hiring process period becoming shorter. Mr. Speaker, I can provide my colleague this information outlining all of the changes, as there are quite a few to date.
For my last question, can the minister inform me as well as this House that the improvements to the hiring process, including changes she referenced in her prior response, that she is satisfied with these changes? Are they adequate in her opinion?
Yes, personally they seem adequate given the history. I am quite pleased with the senior management officials who work with their counterparts in the various departments to try to improve the hiring process.
It is obvious that in the short-term future, more improvements will be forthcoming. They are quite dedicated and I am proud of their work in this regard.
Question 558 – 3(3): High Arctic Transportation Strategy Update (Elliott)
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, the cost of transportation is very expensive in Nunavut, especially for the High Arctic communities that I represent.
As the minister will recall, on October 31 of last year, he made a statement in the House concerning the status of the High Arctic Transportation Strategy.
He indicated that “As we conclude the study, we will have recommendations to this government and to bring forward to the federal government.”
Can the minister provide an update on the status of the High Arctic Transportation Strategy?
We all know that it’s a huge impediment for families that live up in the High Arctic in Nunavut.
The costs of food, transportation, and travel are one of the most phenomenal costs that anyone bears up there.
At this point, Mr. Speaker, we’re fairly close to making a decision on what we’re discussing between the parties involved, including the communities. Once it comes to a conclusion, I’ll certainly let the member know.
This issue has been ongoing even before I started my term as MLA for Quttiktuq.
In 2008, we just kind of ramped it up and were able to meet with our Nunavut Senator. Minister Taptuna was there as well.
It seems like we’re having baby steps in terms of progress and movement on this.
Will the report and the strategy be done or will something be presented to the three High Arctic communities before the completion of this Assembly?
I think the discussions were ongoing before Nunavut became its own territory from the NWT days. It has always been ongoing.
There is a lot of difficulty in coming up with solutions.
Mr. Speaker, I’ll do my best to make sure that the report is complete and a solution looked at with all parties involved, including the community mayors, hamlets, and other groups that are looking at this report.
Can the minister give any indication of what the Government of Nunavut is thinking of as possible solutions that they would be bringing forward?
I cannot divulge on discussions that are happening now.
At this point, we’re looking at several options. Through discussions with community mayors, hamlets, and partners that are involved, I’ll certainly let the member know once a decision is made.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s 2012-15 business plan indicates that the department will implement the Nunavut Transportation Strategy, including specific initiatives to address the needs of High Arctic communities, following direction from cabinet.
Can the minister provide an update on the status of the Nunavut Transportation Strategy, and can he provide details on the specific initiatives that will help address the needs of High Arctic communities?
Mr. Speaker, we completed a preliminary study on the high cost of transportation in the past and we did share that information with the three communities that were involved in this. I intend to do the same again before we come to a solution or conclusion, whatever the case may be, to have the information report forwarded on to the member.
Motion 045 – 3(3): Adjournment for the Day (Rumbolt)
Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I move, seconded by the Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that we adjourn for the day.
The motion is in order. It’s a weather-related issue, I believe.
Item 22 in our Orders of the Day.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 14:51
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Pages 3903 – 3990
Opening Prayer 3903
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3903
Point of Privilege 3981
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3989
Orders of the Day 3989
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 3903
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee 3904
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Family Services – Consideration in Committee 3927
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 3951
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Finance – Consideration in Committee 3979
Speaker (Hon. Hunter Tootoo): Qujannamiik, Sergeant-at-Arms. Before we proceed with today’s sitting, I would like to ask Mr. Taptuna to lead us off in a prayer, please.
Speaker: Thank you, members. Before we proceed today, I would just like to inform all members that we don’t have any pages today, so please be patient.
We will move on in our orders of the day. Mr. Ningeongan.
Mr. Ningeongan: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to proceed directly to Item 19 on the order paper.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to go directly to Item 19 in the Orders of the Day.
There being none. We will proceed to Item 19.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 47, 48, and 49 with Mr. Enook in the Chair.
In accordance with the authority granted to me by Motion 44 – 3(3), the Committee of the Whole will stay in session until it reports itself out.
I would like to ask members to remain in their seats. We will proceed directly to Committee of the Whole.
Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Good afternoon, my colleagues and Nunavummiut.
We wish to continue with the review of the main estimates for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, followed by the review of the following departments: Family Services, Justice, Finance, and Economic Development and Transportation.
Are we in agreement that we continue with our review of the main estimates for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree that (interpretation ends) Premier Aariak (interpretation) and her officials go to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, (interpretation ends) Madam Premier. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses in.
Madam Premier, for the record, please introduce your witnesses.
Good afternoon, members and Nunavummiut.
We are pleased to be able to appear before you again.
To my right is my Deputy Minister, Mr. Vandermeulen, and to my left is our Chief Negotiator for Devolution, David Akeeagok.
Welcome. We left off on page B-9. Branch Summary.
Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs. Intergovernmental Affairs. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted.
On Friday, I had asked Madam Premier what the salary range was for the special advisor.
I’m just wondering if she had that figure for us.
Prior to allowing Madam Premier to respond, I would like to remind everyone where we were when we last had a break and I have an old list of names. Therefore, if you believe your name was on that list, I would like you to raise your hand so that we can write down a new list of names for this review.
With regard to the member’s question, we don’t have the information at this time. Since this is a day-to-day operational issue, my officials look after the matter. With respect to the question, as well as his prior question, we have noted it and will provide a written response.
In regard to the special advisor for negotiations, was this a political appointment?
Mr. Schell: If it wasn’t a political appointment, was it at her, I guess whatever you want to call it, privilege to appoint this person?
I had already responded to that issue. If I were to say the proper term in English, it is called a “transfer assignment.”
The position was transferred from the Devolution Division.
So when he was moved from a transfer assignment, this individual was moved into an indeterminate position. Did you follow the proper procedures?
I don’t run those. I will have my witness, Mr. Dan Vandermeulen, respond.
I will have him respond.
Yes, the proper interdepartmental transfer agreement forms were completed.
Don’t indeterminate positions in the government go through cabinet?
If you can allow my deputy to respond, I would like him to do so.
In this particular case, it was not a direct appointment; it was a transfer. When that transfer expires, he will return to his previous position.
No, transfer assignments do not go through cabinet.
She also stated on Friday that the special advisor that she had chosen in Ottawa had extensive experience, some with the federal government. Could she explain what experience he had with the federal government?
According to what I remember, I didn’t say whether he had extensive experience with the federal government.
I just said that he had working experience with the NWT and Nunavut governments.
This is what I was talking about. I was saying that he had experience in these territories.
Mr. Schell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The special advisor also had worked as the director for the official languages of the Government of Nunavut prior to being appointed to this position. It was also posted on the Pirurvik Centre website that this particular gentleman was a staff member and he had worked as a policy advisor of research for the Office of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut and with the Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute.
So my question is: has this particular firm that he was working with done any work for EIA prior to his appointment?
I don’t run those issues. My Deputy Minister, Mr. Vandermeulen, works on this issue, so I will want him to answer.
I do not have the contract file before me, so I am working from memory.
I do remember that the centre provided Inuktitut training programs arranged through EIA for deputy ministers a number of years ago. I think it has also, from year to year, had contracts with the Department of Human Resources for Inuktitut training as well.
Was this run by the Integrity Commissioner in regard to having worked for the government prior that this was to be an appropriate appointment?
I would like Mr. Vandermeulen to answer the question if you will allow him.
The Integrity Commissioner rules on all matters related to MLAs and to, of course, ministers.
The Integrity Commissioner does not rule on matters related to the public service.
I would like to now follow up on two issues that the Member for Pangnirtung had addressed with the Committee of the Whole when it adjourned on Friday.
The Premier had previously advised the Legislative Assembly that the government had established an Interdepartmental Nutrition North Canada Subsidy Program Monitoring Committee.
Can the Premier update us today as to what work this committee has undertaken?
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation has been working on this file and making preparations.
You can get a better response from someone from his department.
I’m going to ask the Premier if she knows how many meetings the committee has had since its establishment.
I don’t know how many times they have met.
Has the committee produced any reports?
Makimaniq is still being worked on by the Anti-Poverty Secretariat.
Once they have done this work, he can ask those questions because I don’t know what condition they are in.
Will the Premier be willing to table any reports produced by the committee?
It will be up to the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation if he wants to release those reports, if any.
I’m sure that he can be asked that question.
How will this committee be involved with the recent announced plan to the government’s plan to compile information in communities concerning food prices?
I don’t have any information at this point. The Minister of Economic Development and Transportation would know the answer and can be asked that question at the appropriate time.
The other issue raised on Friday by the Member of Pangnirtung concerned the issue of granting official observer status to the European Union at meetings of the Arctic Council.
In April of 2009, the Premier publicly announced the Government of Nunavut’s opposition to granting the EU observer status. On Friday, the Premier explained the process by which the Arctic Council makes decisions in this area, but she did not explain what the Government of Nunavut’s current position is.
Does the Government of Nunavut still oppose granting the EU observer status at the meetings of the Arctic Council, yes or no?
Perhaps firstly if I can do so, I would like to thank my colleague. During our fight to overturn the European Union’s sealskin ban, the member was in full support at that time, which I am appreciative of.
This also included the initiative to impose sanctions on the EU liquor manufacturers, to stop all liquor imports from the EU to Nunavut.
We collaborated on these issues.
At that time, we were extremely busy trying to inform them of our position, specifically why we were in support of Nunavummiut to fight against the ban. We felt that this was part of the matter and that it would be better for us if they weren’t party to it.
At this current time, we are in discussions. However, we haven’t finalized our position as to what the Nunavut government’s decision is with respect to the Arctic Council and our current status. It is Canada’s turn to hold the chair and it is obvious that we will be able to work with our federal counterparts on this issue.
We’re on page B-9.
I thank the minister for appearing before the committee. I would like to get some information on this issue related to the devolution agreement process.
During our debate on this matter, we can quite easily obtain information from Canada’s previous devolution agreements, both with provinces and territories.
The provinces have had agreements for the (interpretation ends) last hundred years at least. (interpretation) The provinces have been transferred powers and in some cases, extended provincial boundaries as well as powers over royalties.
We can all recall that when Trudeau was the Prime Minister, he enacted legislation called the National Energy Program.
This was initially opposed vehemently by the western provinces, and it led to a west vs. east battle causing intergovernmental disagreements over how the non-renewable royalties would be accrued to the provinces.
Whenever this legislation is mentioned, the western provinces still get upset.
Further, under the Mulroney government, the royalty rate was increased, resulting in more revenue.
It allowed the provinces to administer this sector and it improved their situation.
I just want this taken into consideration by our negotiators as we prepare for devolution negotiations, as it will affect not only Nunavut or the NWT, but all of Canada, at least in my estimation. We have to look at the situation as it has developed here in Canada.
Another matter we can mention is the case with Newfoundland.