EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The Chairman, I’m sorry, Mr. Chairman, the Government of Nunavut’s June 2006 Inuit Employment Plan statistics reveal that the department continues to face challenges in filling it positions in Igloolik, although there is improvement from 2005.
Almost half of the department’s positions in the community remain unfilled. This situation has also been noted with the respect of the Department of Environment.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee recommends that the government table information in this House concerning the final costs of its major capital projects, including information on the Inuit labour content of each project, as well as any bonuses and penalties that have been assessed under the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti (NNI) Policy.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to make a motion to report progress because we have other functions.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, members. Item 20.
Your committee has been considering Bill 26 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress. Also, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Arreak. There is a motion on the floor.
A reminder for a meeting tomorrow morning at 8:30 at the Nanuk Room; Standing Committee Ajautiit.
At ten o’clock at the Tuktu Boardroom, the Standing Committee on Operations and Accountability and at eleven o’clock in the Nanuk Room, a meeting of the Regular Caucus with the Speaker.
Orders of the Day for November 29, 2006:
The House stands adjourned until tomorrow. On Wednesday, we will start again at 1:30.
>>House adjourned at 17:40
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Pages 2537 – 2591
Opening Prayer 2537
Ministers’ Statements 2537
Members’ Statements 2542
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2549
Oral Questions 2551
Tabling of Documents 2569
First Reading of Bills 2571
Second Reading of Bills 2572
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2573
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2590
Orders of the Day 2590
Wednesday, November 29, 2006 2537
136 – 2(3): Recognition of Community Justice Committee Members (Okalik) 2537
137 – 2(3): Did you Know?
MYATT (Aglukkaq) 2538
138 – 2(3): Financial Positions of Nunavut Municipalities (Brown) 2539
139 – 2(3): Senior Fuel Subsidy Program (Picco) 2540
140 – 2(3): Health Integration Initiative (Aglukkaq) 2541
327 – 2(3): Status of Crisis Shelters in Nunavut (Evyagotailak) 2542
328– 2(3): NHC Home Repair Programs (Barnabas) 2542
329 – 2(3): Medical Travel Services in the Kivalliq (Mapsalak) 2543
330 – 2(3): Income Support Deductions (Alagalak) 2544
331 – 2(3): Recognition of Constituent’s Achievements (Picco) 2545
332 – 2(3): Increased Federal Funding for Nunavut (Arreak) 2546
333 – 2(3): Message from Tagak Curley & New Constituency Assistant (Brown) 2546
334 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Kids Speak (Peterson) 2547
335 – 2(3): Wildlife Migration (Kattuk) 2548
336 – 2(3): Nunavut Territorial Government (Arvaluk) 2548
379 – 2(3): Assistance for Business Community (Tootoo) 2551
380 – 2(3): Government of Nunavut Hiring Freeze (Peterson) 2553
381 – 2(3): Crisis Shelters in Nunavut (Evyagotailak) 2555
382 – 2(3): Medical Travel and Emergency Services (Mapsalak) 2558
383 – 2(3): Applications for Territorial Drivers Licence (Kattuk) 2560
384 – 2(3): Home Repair Programs Addressing Overcrowding (Barnabas) 2561
385 – 2(3): Contract Obligations Within Communities (Arreak) 2562
386 – 2(3): Relocation of Airstrip in Pond Inlet (Arvaluk) 2563
387 – 2(3): Cases Resulting in Legal Action NBCC/KBDC (Tootoo) 2565
388 – 2(3): Absolute Homelessness (Peterson) 2567
184 – 2(3): NLCA Annual Report 2001-04 (Okalik) 2569
185 – 2(3): Ministerial Travel Expenses – Fiscal Year Ending 2005-06 (Okalik) 2569
186 – 2(3): Let’s Listen to Kids!
– Domestic Violence (Peterson) 2570
187 – 2(3): Piliriqatigiinngniq – Working Together for the Common Good/Health Integration Project in Nunavut (Aglukkaq) 2570
188 – 2(3): Food Mail Contract (Barnabas) 2570
189 – 2(3): FPT Sports and Physical Activity Report (Tapardjuk) 2570
190 – 2(3): Email from Michael Sanagan Dated September 19, 2002 (Tootoo) 2571
Bill 28 – Deficit Reduction Act – First Reading 2571
Bill 29 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – First Reading 2572
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Culture, Language, Elders and Youth 2573
Bill 26 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2007-08 – Review in Committee – Nunavut Housing Corporation 2587
Members, I would like to welcome Gail Bennett, who is from the Northwest Territories’ Legislative Assembly. She is the Deputy Clerk.
She will be here with us for two days.
Gail, welcome to the House.
Minister’s Statement 136 – 2(3): Recognition of Community Justice Committee Members (Okalik)
I rise today to commend the longest serving Community Justice Committee members and to ensure that their hard work does not go unnoticed.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to mention a few names that have served with the Community Justice Committees since the Government of the Northwest Territories first introduced the Community Justice Programs, which were carried over to Nunavut’s inception.
Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Leah Evic, and Mrs. Geela Sowdluapik of Pangnirtung, have served as Community Justice Committee members for over 25 years.
I would also like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Mr. Mariano Aupilardjuk, who has been named as the recipient of Ron Weed Award this year.
The Ron Weed Award is an award that recognizes Canadians who have demonstrated, through their hard work or lifestyle, ways of transforming human relationships through restorative justice practices.
Mariano Aupilardjuk has done this by enabling and promoting communication and healing between people in conflict, whether they’re victims, offenders, colleagues, families or neighbours. He has been doing that for a very long time.
There are countless members that have contributed their valuable time and efforts for more than ten years.
However, I will not be able to name them all as there are just too many dedicated people involved in community justice.
All of these people have clearly demonstrated through their work that Inuit traditional values can be incorporated into today’s justice system.
Community Justice Committees conduct healing programs, counsel offenders, and victims, and run crime prevention programs that focus on developing cultural self-esteem amongst the younger generations.
This past year, the Community Justice Committees gathered for regional workshops between January and March 2006. They have worked on various improvements to their committee processes and created regional and community action plans.
Training was received, including mediation techniques and a focus on increasing the involvement of victims in the community justice process.
I would like to recognize and thank all of the countless volunteers who serve our communities in this way.
Minister’s Statement 137 – 2(3): Did you Know?
MYATT (Aglukkaq)
You may recognize this phrase, “Did you know?”
If you have been walking or driving around town, you have seen it painted in the snow in a number of areas.
This is a very important question from a very important group.
Mr. Speaker, this group raising this question is MYATT, the Minister’s Youth Action Team on Tobacco.
This group is represented by Nunavut youth and young adults and they are helping Health and Social Services address the high rate of smoking in the north.
The question they put to us is simple. It represents the important question that smokers should ask themselves when it comes to taking responsibility for their health.
Mr. Speaker, these individuals have come from all over Nunavut and are here in Iqaluit preparing their action plan for the next year, comparing notes and exchanging ideas.
This program is working in Nunavut; we have reduced the smoking rate by 12 percent overall in Nunavut since the program started.
Each youth will be going back to their community to pass on what they have learned.
Mr. Speaker, I would like the members to join me in congratulating these young Nunavummiut for their hard work and dedication.  I would like to be able to recognize each and every one of them on our behalf as well this afternoon.
Minister’s Statement 138 – 2(3): Financial Positions of Nunavut Municipalities (Brown)
I rise today to update the members of this House on the financial positions of municipalities in Nunavut.
As of March 31, 2003, 13 Nunavut communities had financial deficits and six of those communities had deficits well in excess of half a million dollars.
Mr. Speaker, municipalities were in a financial crisis.
At that point, Community and Government Services was directed to get the financial positions of communities back under control.
Since then, with an extensive effort by councils, municipal staff and staff from Community and Government Services, there has been a tremendous improvement in the financial health of communities primarily as a result of four key developments.
First was the increased effort and commitment of municipal councils, and their staff, to better manage their operations within the guidelines within the budget.
The second development is the significant increase in training programs being delivered to municipal staff by the MTO and Community and Government Services.
This training has assisted the communities by building the capacity of municipal staff to better manage both municipal budgets and operations.
Thirdly Mr. Speaker; is the increased monitoring of municipal finances by the staff of Community and Government Services and the active assistance extended by staff to communities to help them better manage community budgets?
Mr. Speaker the final development was the increases to core municipal funding in both 2003 and 2005.
This increase resulted in funding levels that are 30 percent higher than what municipalities received in 2002.
This much-needed funding has taken some of the pressure of ever-increasing costs off municipalities and greatly assisted them by providing quality service to residents.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that on March 31, 2006 only one community had a financial deficit and that deficit was so minor that it should be eliminated within the first quarter of this operating year.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Community and Government Services and the Government of Nunavut I applaud the efforts of municipal councils and staff for their tremendous efforts.
Speaker: Thank you, Madam Minister.
Minister’s Statement 139 – 2(3): Senior Fuel Subsidy Program (Picco)
I would to take this opportunity to advise my colleagues about our recent changes to our Senior Fuel Subsidy Program. The Senior Fuel Subsidy Program helps to offset the high cost of home heating fuel for eligible homeowners in Nunavut who are 60 years of age and older.
Eligible seniors must have income levels less than the maximum allowable and must not be receiving income support benefits.
The maximum total allowable income is based on total household income not just the homeowners. Eligible seniors are reimbursed the full cost up to the maximum number of litres of fuel allowed under this program for their community.
The maximum subsidy ranges from 2,500 to 3,175 litres of fuel for eligible applicant.
Mr. Speaker, at my request, the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program was simplified effective this past September 1. This program changes include a streamlined application process, a Nunavut-wide income threshold and an increase in the threshold from $39,000 to $50,000.
The revised process means seniors have to submit fewer pieces of information when they apply.
As well, all program forms have been simplified to make it easier to complete. By establishing one income threshold and increasing it to $50,000, we believe the program is more accessible and more understandable for more seniors.
We have used public service announcements and community posters to advise seniors and the general public of the changes.
We have also rewritten the guidelines of the program for use by income support workers and our Career and Early Childhood Services employees.
Mr. Speaker, Pinasuaqtavut supports the development of programs and services that are fair, understandable and easy to access. The revised Senior Fuel Subsidy Program is an example of Pinasuaqtavut in action.
Minister responsible for Health, Ms. Aglukkaq.
Minister’s Statement 140 – 2(3): Health Integration Initiative (Aglukkaq)
Later on today I’ll be tabling the recently completed Health Integration Initiative Report.
Keeping people healthy and developing healthy communities is the responsibility of many people.
The Department of Health and Social Services is looking to increase collaboration with other governments and agencies in order to improve healthcare in Nunavut.
The Health Integration Initiative is a process that was used for the past two years to identify opportunities and set out potential next steps for Health Canada, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the Department of Health and Social Services. The final report of this multi-party consultation, Piliriqatigiitsiarniq: Working Together for the Common Good. The Health Integration Initiative Project in Nunavut was formally released on November 1.
The report sets out recommendations for ways to increase the integration of federal/ territorial health promotion and illness prevention programs.
Of particular interest are the areas of maternal and children’s health, dental health, mental health, and addictions treatment. The goal is to improve the health status of Inuit in Nunavut.
The Department of Health and Social Services recognizes the importance of collaboration amongst front-line care providers, regardless of who they work for. Increased involvement for other governments and agencies can only enhance our efforts to help Nunavummiut have healthy lives.
The department is now working with the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated through the new Nunavut Tri-Party Advisory Committee on Health. Together we are reviewing how best to implement the important recommendations in the report.
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is to be commended for its leadership in this process.
The Nunavut Project was one of just eight Health Integration Initiative exercises funded by Health Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch.
Copies of the report are available from NTI or can be found on the Health and Social Services website at www.gov.nu.ca/hsssite/recent.shtml.
Do we have any more Ministers’ Statements?
Member’s Statement 327 – 2(3): Status of Crisis Shelters in Nunavut (Evyagotailak)
I rise today to address an issue that remains unresolved in my community, even though efforts have been made to get the Kugluktuk Crisis Shelter picked back up and running.
I have heard in the news that the Crisis Shelter in Iqaluit had also faced the sad possibility of closure due to lack of funding.
Thankfully, some third party-funding came through at the last minute.
Mr. Speaker, it is very disturbing to hear that our crisis shelters are having such difficulty in staying open.
I’m sure that all members have heard the most recent statistics on domestic violence in Nunavut.
Those numbers reveal that we still have a long ways to go before Nunavummiut can feel safe and secure in their home.
I call on this government to address this issue fully and look for long-term support and solutions for our crisis shelters so that those in need have a safe and secure place to go when they’re in danger.
Member’s Statement 328– 2(3): NHC Home Repair Programs (Barnabas)
I rise today to draw attention of the House to what I see as an opportunity for the government to support homeowners.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the government has limited funding for the construction of new units in the territory.
I was pleased to note that 36 units will be added to the public housing portfolio in my constituency through the federally-funded Nunavut Housing Trust.
The possibility exists to reduce the waiting list for the public housing in other ways.
The Homeowner Renovation Program allows homeowners to apply to a maximum of $50,000 to renovate their home.
It is disappointing that some of the criteria for the approval of an application to the Homeowner Renovation Program can limit the ability of Nunavummiut to address overcrowding.
For example, if a homeowner wants to renovate their home by adding a room for an adult child, the project would not necessarily be considered as a priority because an adult child is not dependent and could qualify for a public housing unit.
It would be ideal if the corporation could fund projects that would increase the size of the home and allow for renovation projects that would allow adult children to continue to share their parental home.
This would address overcrowding in the home and remove people from the waiting list for public housing.
Mr. Speaker, the program only allows one application per homeowner per year. This is another limitation on homeowners. Even the first approved application is for less than $50,000 maximum.
The applicant cannot be approved a second time in one year.
I think that multiple applications to the program should be considered as long as the maximum amount of assistance has not been reached.
Speaker (interpretation): Very well timed, Mr. Barnabas.
Member’s Statement 329 – 2(3): Medical Travel Services in the Kivalliq (Mapsalak)
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to raise some concerns that have been brought to my attention from my constituents in Repulse Bay on the issue of medical travel.
Mr. Speaker, an incident occurred recently that affected a number of my constituents who were returning home to Repulse Bay from Winnipeg on a scheduled flight, operated by Kivalliq Air, going through Rankin Inlet.
They had to stop in Rankin Inlet because the aircraft they were on was required for an emergency medivac and the passengers were required to stay in Rankin Inlet for a period of time.
I recognize that life and death emergencies need to be taken care of, especially when there is an emergency, but these patients had to stay in Rankin Inlet for a period of time even though this was a scheduled flight.
I am concerned however; the carrier which has a contract for medical travel in my region may not have enough aircraft and other resources to fulfill its contractual obligations with the government and maintain its scheduled services without interruption.
Mr. Speaker, travelling for medical treatment can be a stressful experience. I believe every effort should be made to ensure that our constituents do not experience unnecessary delays. I wish that the department review the patients to make sure that the patients are sent home as soon as possible.
At the appropriate time I will be asking questions to the Minister Responsible for Health and Social Services in regard to this.
Member’s Statement 330 – 2(3): Income Support Deductions (Alagalak)
I have wanted to talk about this for some time.
I rise today to express a concern brought forward by my constituents regarding deductions from income support payments.
Mr. Speaker, when an income support client goes to apply for social assistance and an evaluation is carried out by income support worker, the income support assessment takes into account any income the client may have earned from casual or seasonal employment, and sometimes the income support worker relies on hearsay.
It also takes into account unearned income that the client may have received such as National Child Benefits Supplement.
Until recently, such lump sums as a dividend paid to Co-op members were also considered as income and deducted from the amount of social assistance received by income support clients who are also co-op members.
Even though some members of the family give money to that individual they are considered as income.
Mr. Speaker, I want an item that is still included in the list of deductions as the value of gifts such as airline ticket from a parent, or other family members; an airline ticket provided to family member as a gift is not the same as a voucher for cash, it is a gesture intended to do something decent for someone else.
Mr. Speaker, I would like consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Alagalak, continue.
This is a problem that we have in the communities of Nunavut, and the government should do something about it.
Sometimes the parents have children to feed and sometimes the food is hard to come by and because the head of the family cannot always go hunting because they don’t have the money to get gas.
I would like to encourage government to review the regulations listing that to determine social assistance.
Member’s Statement 331 – 2(3): Recognition of Constituent’s Achievements (Picco)
Earlier, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Arreak congratulated two former residents of Clyde River for their achievements in completing law school and being admitted to the Nunavut Bar.
Mr. Speaker, both graduates are working moms, role models, and constituents of mine in Iqaluit East.
And, I, too, want to take this opportunity to congratulate them.
Seven years ago, on April 1, 1999 when Nunavut was started, if anyone said that in less than ten years, in actuality in seven years, Nunavut would graduate our first nurses, would graduate our first lawyers, and would have a Nunavummiut playing in the National Hockey League, very few people would have believed it.
Mr. Speaker, one of the promises of Nunavut was to provide new and emerging opportunities for Nunavummiut to take pride in our culture and to succeed.
Susan Enuaraq and Jordin Tootoo and Sandra Inutiq are just three examples of what we can accomplish if given a chance and support.
In the next 10 years I predict our first Nunavut general practitioner doctor, our first Nunavummiut scientist and our first Nunavummiut pro golfer probably, maybe from your hometown of Panniqtuuq Mr. Speaker.
Nunavut has many assets diamonds, gold, iron ore and oil.
It has a young and growing workforce. Of course there are going to be potholes and bumps along the way. However, Nunavut’s greatest assets are her people and faith in our future.
Mr. Speaker, I suggest to you that future is pretty bright.
Member’s Statement 332 – 2(3): Increased Federal Funding for Nunavut (Arreak)
Mr. Picco just mentioned the people that graduated and I would like to follow suit.
Here in Nunavut whenever there is research being done they always say that Nunavut is very dangerous because there are a lot of people that smoke and there is a lot of pollution and not enough literacy and a lot of alcoholics as opposed to the rest of Canada. There is a lot of violence in Nunavut and also there are a lot of bad things happen in Nunavut as compared to the rest of Canada.
I know that there are good things that happen here in Nunavut.
I know that when there is a study done Nunavut is thought of as being very bad.
I would like to encourage the federal government to help us a little bit more to make Nunavut a better place to live.
And I know that our government is trying their very best to try to do what they can with the little bit of money that they have.
I would also like to encourage the federal government to make Nunavut a brighter place to stay for our future.
Member’s Statement 333 – 2(3): Message from Tagak Curley & New Constituency Assistant (Brown)
I talked with Tagak Curley before we went to the House.
He would like to me to relay a message to say thank you especially to Mr. John Quirke, the Clerk of the House also to thank the Members of the Legislative Assembly and this is the message that I got from Tagak Curley and he wanted to relay to you that he is listening to the doctors and will be back to the session in January.
He is thinking of you and he said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the members.
I also have a message from Whale Cove that my constituency assistant from Whale Cove had to leave the community to move to another community and I received another constituency assistant.
The new constituency assistant is Mary Kanayuk Voisey from Whale Cove and I will make sure that I have the telephone number and fax number to you in the near future. And also e-mail you the information.
Member’s Statement 334 – 2(3): Kitikmeot Kids Speak (Peterson)