EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The flu shot is the most effective and longest lasting protection against the flu virus and the illness it can cause.
I would like to inform members of the Legislative Assembly that this year a new poster to promote influenza prevention was launched.
A public service announcement was sent to all communities to promote influenza vaccination.
As more people receive the flu shot, the flu virus has less chance to multiply and circulate.
Once again, I encourage all Nunavummiut to get immunized against influenza.
Protecting ourselves can also benefit those around us who may be at risk of developing other serious illnesses from the flu.
Minister’s Statement 004 – 2(2): Young Workers’ Safety Conference
And good afternoon.
On the weekend of October 22 to 24, in Yellowknife, our Workers’ Compensation Board hosted What if you couldn’t: A National Youth Workers Safety Conference.
Over 100 young workers and supervisors from across Canada attended the conference, including 14 from 9 communities in Nunavut.
The conference was a huge success.
(interpretation ends) Participants heard from young workers who had been injured on the job and leaders in occupational safety and health.
Young workers had the opportunity to ask themselves, “What if I couldn’t do the things I love because I was injured or killed at work?”
They were provided with tools for assessing workplace hazards.
Hopefully, the knowledge gained by this conference will go a long way toward reducing workplace accidents.
Knowledge really is the key to avoiding workplace accidents, and it would be excellent if all Nunavut youth could attend a conference like the one held in Yellowknife.
While that is not possible, every Nunavummiut youth has an opportunity to take the Workers’ Compensation Board’s excellent workplace safety course. We should all be encouraging our young workers to do so and encourage them to remember their safety in the workplace.
Ministers’ Statement 005 – 2(2): Mid-Year Fiscal Update
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Mr. Speaker, today I would bring members and all Nunavummiut up to date on the current fiscal situation of the Government of Nunavut.
All four will be introduced in the capital estimates for the fiscal year 2005-06.
As a new government we are committed to maintaining a sound fiscal position while trying to maximize our benefits from the limited financial resources that we have available to us.
This point has been stressed throughout our short history, and I indicated renewed commitment to this principle in the first budget address of this new government.
Nunavut's long-term economic and social challenges continue to be immense, however. We must live within our means while we move forward in addressing our needs.
My first budget indicated that we would work to get a fair and adequate deal from the federal government so we can better manage our major social, economic, and fiscal challenges, and in so doing, we would work cooperatively with the other two territories.
Mr. Speaker, members are aware that there have been two First Ministers’ meetings in Ottawa.
The first of these meetings dealt with health care funding, while the second focused on the federal transfer to all jurisdictions.
As a result of the First Ministers’ meeting, Nunavut has a new deal with the federal government on health funding, a deal which will help cover the significant costs we must absorb to provide Nunavummiut with access to health care.
Over the next five years, starting in the fiscal year 2005-06, the federal government will provide all three territories with an additional $15 million annually for these major health care costs.
Nunavut will receive approximately 70 percent of these funds.
With this and new funding provided under the recently signed non-insured health benefit contract, 50 percent of our medical travel costs will be paid for by the federal government.
This new deal not only provides additional new funding to the territory, but it means that the federal government has recognized that providing good health care in the North is different and has special challenges.
Mr. Speaker, in further recognition of the challenges associated with providing health care in the North, the Prime Minister also indicated that a special health reform fund will be established for the three territories.
This fund will provide $65 million over five years.
The purpose of this new fund is to assist us in transforming the delivery of health care by providing assistance in such areas as capacity building, training, and more effective health delivery models.
I want to recognize the persistence and hard work of both the Premier and the health minister in presenting the unique northern situation to the federal government and in obtaining clear acknowledgement that the delivery of basic public services is different here than the rest of the country.
At the second First Ministers’ meeting, major transfers to the territories and provinces were discussed.
As a result of this meeting new territorial formula financing and equalization frameworks were announced.
As members know, Nunavut has consistently made the case that additional federal support would allow us to make progress in establishing the basic public services taken for granted by most Canadians.
The new federal approach announced on October 26 by the Prime Minister will provide Nunavut with additional territorial formula financing funding.
This new federal approach will also mean that we have a good, stable, and predictable funding source.
This will allow us to focus more on the important task of building the Nunavut economy and providing good public services.
This new approach also means that there will be a floor established for the transfer in 2004-05 and 2005-06 for the three territories.
This year the floor will be set at $1.9 billion and $2 billion next year.
In 2005-06, the floor will grow by 3.5 percent per year.
Under the allocation method being used by the federal government, Nunavut will receive about 40 percent of this funding.
Mr. Speaker, the funding spending from the recent first ministers’ meetings will increase our projected revenues by $45.6 million for the current fiscal year.
Although this new funding offered by the Prime Minister is welcome and is needed to continue the day-to-day operations of our territory, we are also faced with significant pressures on our government’s budget.
In order to address these pressures in the current year, we will be bringing forth a supplementary appropriation bill for your consideration during this session.
Mr. Speaker, the rising cost of health care has been of great concern across Canada.
This has translated into higher rates for receiving services from southern hospitals.
To ensure that health care to Nunavummiut is maintained, we will be proposing to increase the budget of the Department of Health and Social Services.
Additional funding is also being proposed for the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Community and Government Services to support the cost of telehealth programs, with the intended results of reducing our reliance on southern hospitals.
As well, additional funding is being proposed for the Department of Education to fund the increases in the cost of school operations.
Mr. Speaker, since I tabled the first budget of this second Legislative Assembly, we have finalized a new collective agreement with the Nunavut Employees Union.
The costs associated with this agreement, as well as the recently concluded agreement with the RCMP, will be included in the upcoming supplementary appropriation bill.
As members, we are all aware of the rising energy prices in world markets and of the inevitable impact in Nunavut for both the government and for other consumers.
These impacts can also be seen in the operations of both Qulliq Energy Corporation and the Petroleum Products Division.
This government commits to examining the books and operations of each of these important government agencies and to making the necessary transfers to ensure that each of these operations will be appropriately resourced to carry out its responsibilities in the current year, and from April 1, 2005, when new energy rates will take effect.
This work will result in a passage of transfers and changes for consideration by this Assembly at the February 2005 sitting.
In order to address past shortfalls in internal utility budgets, we will be proposing in this session to increase the budget of both the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Department of Community and Government Services.
Our revised expenditure projections for 2004-05 are $51.2 million higher than outlined in the budget as a result of these expenditure requirements and contingencies for other needs that may arise this year.
The net impact of these revenues and expenditure adjustments for the 2004-05 budget means that the deficit forecast will increase by $5.6 million, from $13.4 million to $19 million.
Mr. Speaker, as indicated earlier, I am introducing the capital appropriation as per 2005-06.
For the fiscal year 2005-06, our government is planning to allocate $102 million for capital expenditures on projects that will benefit communities throughout Nunavut.
This amount compares to the $108 million allocated in capital estimates in 2004-05. I will now highlight departmental capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.
Health and Social Services has the single largest capital budget for upcoming fiscal year, at $24.4 million.
The objective of the Government of Nunavut continues to be the ability to provide health care to Nunavummiut closer to home and reduce our dependencies on facilities in the South.
As members are aware, both regional health centres in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet are due to open this fiscal year.
Included in this budget is $19.5 million for the Qikiqtani General Hospital here in Iqaluit.
This facility is expected to be completed by November 2006.
In addition, the spending of $4.5 million will be allocated for the replacement of the health centre in Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, to fit in with the Government of Nunavut's goal of improvement to access to education and of providing affordable housing for Nunavummiut, approximately 40 percent of the capital budget, or roughly $40 million, is for education projects and housing.
The funding allocation includes an addition to the Aqsarniit School in Iqaluit, construction of a new school in Arviat, and improvements to Nunavut Arctic College student accommodations in Iqaluit.
In addition, the budget includes approximately $3 million for sprinkler upgrades in all regions.
The capital estimate includes $10 million for public housing, which will be matched by the federal government through the Strategic Infrastructure Fund.
The combined funding available for the Government of Nunavut and the federal government will enable the construction of an additional 80 public housing units in 2005-06.
Mr. Speaker, these units will be constructed in those communities that have the greatest need.
In addition, $6.4 million has been allocated for modernization and improvement retrofits, of which $4.3 million will be recovered from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The total budget for the Department of Community and Government Services' capital expenditures for 2005-06 is $21.2 million.
This includes $16.4 million for community projects and $4.8 million for projects related to the Petroleum Products Division.
Mr. Speaker, the capital projects undertaken by this department affect almost all communities in Nunavut.
In addition to capital contributions of $4 million for projects in Iqaluit, approximately $8.6 million will be spent on water supplies and sewage facilities.
This includes sewage lagoon repairs in Cape Dorset, a sewage treatment plant and waterworks in Rankin Inlet, a waterline in Gjoa Haven, and sewage lagoon works in Kugluktuk.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has been allocated a budget of $1.4 million.
This funding will be used primarily for contributions to community heritage, elder, and youth centres across Nunavut.
In addition, funding has been made available for contributions for recreation facility projects.
The Department of Justice will receive $8.8 million for capital projects in the coming year.
This includes $7.9 million for the new justice centre to be located in Iqaluit.
This facility will be completed early in the 2006-07 fiscal year.
Speaker (interpretation): The minister is asking for unanimous consent to conclude her statements.
There are no nays; go ahead.
This includes $7.9 million for the new justice centre to be located in Iqaluit, to be completed in the 2006-07 fiscal year.
For 2005-06 the Department of Environment will manage a capital budget of $1.9 million.
This funding will be used for various tourism, parks, and wildlife projects around Nunavut, including a new wildlife office in Chesterfield Inlet.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation has been allocated a capital budget of $2.9 million for projects that include airport maintenance equipment, a deep-water port study, and projects under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program.
To conclude, Mr. Speaker, we always have placed a high priority on maintaining a sound financial position, and with our heavy reliance on federal transfers, we must live within our means.
While we are facing pressures on our budgets from rising energy costs as well as program and infrastructure needs, we are confident that we can maintain, over the medium-term, a sound financial position.
Item 3: Members’ Statement
Member’s Statement 009 – 2(2): Power Rate Increases in Nunavut
I would like to make the statement that is very interesting to note that Nunavut is not the only jurisdiction in Canada that is currently being faced with the issue of power rate increases.
I have been following with interest the debate that is taking place right now in Nova Scotia, with respect to that province’s utility review process, where consumers are lining up to oppose the rate hikes.
I was not surprised to see that the residents of this community have been vocal and well organized in speaking up about Qulliq Energy Corporation’s rate application.
I respect their efforts to defend their interests.
However, we must also pay attention to the needs of the smaller communities in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, it can be argued that some communities have been paying more than their fair share over the past several years.
It can be argued that some communities have received a break based on the rate structure that was inherited in 1999.
To illustrate, residential customers in the capital city presently pay the cheapest average rate in all of Nunavut: just over 30 cents per kilowatt hour.
By contrast, residential rates in Whale Cove are more than 100 percent higher than in Iqaluit.
What we also need to look at is the ability of each resident in each community to pay for their power.
There are no nays, Mr. Curley.
The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s own information materials state, and I quote, “The corporation anticipates that the extent
to which the government subsidizes electricity rates will not be known until the GRA process is complete.”
I think that we need to start thinking now about how the government will react.
We need to look closely at the option of not providing the same subsidies across all communities and classes of customers, but targeting them based on the circumstances of each.
For example, I think it might be worthwhile to look at differentiating between small and large businesses that are certainly taxed at different rates.
Perhaps multi-million dollar companies that reap profits in Nunavut and that are based in the South can, and should, shoulder a larger burden, while not pushing small, local, and start-up businesses over the edge.
I am certain that all members of this House will be looking to protect their constituents, and that is understandable.
At the same time, we must act responsibly and recognize that there is no easy solution to this matter.
When the Utility Rates Review Council completes its work we must study its findings carefully and base our decisions on what is best for Nunavut as a whole.
Member’s Statement 010 – 2(2): National Childcare Day
I rise today to inform the House about a good news story in my community of Cambridge Bay.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that daycares are vital facilities in the Nunavut communities where they exist.
Indeed, their national importance is reflected through the establishment of National Childcare Day, which falls this year on November 20, this coming Saturday.
However, we hear almost every week where some Nunavut communities either don’t have daycare facilities or they have been closed down due to lack of funding.
It is comforting for working parents to know that they can put their children in the care of professionally trained and certified childcare professionals while they go to work or school.
Our daycare in Cambridge Bay has been operational for at least 20 years.
My family and other families have made good use of their services.
Over those 20 years, Mr. Speaker, the daycare has struggled to remain open and provide valuable training and employment to childcare workers who work in the facility.
The daycare remains open today because of the dedication and hard work of the Cambridge Bay Childcare Society Board of Directors and their staff.
The financial support from the parents, hamlets, local organizations and businesses of Cambridge Bay and Nunavut, including the government, is vital to the daycare's survival and success.
For example, Mr. Speaker, on October 23, 2004, the society held its annual childcare auction.
On the auction items alone, the society raised over $30,000 from the 175 residents and businesses who attended.
I’m very happy to inform you and the members of this House that the donated items the daycare received from the Legislative Assembly and ministers contributed to the success of their annual auction.
These much needed extra funds will be used to help pay wages, fuel, power, municipal services, and provide training to the childcare workers.
Saskatchewan’s children’s advocate was in the community to meet with me and others about our program and initiative and was a keynote speaker at the childcare auction.
She told us that it was clear to her why Nunavumiut lead the nation in our financial generosity in helping others.
The childcare society requires a larger facility because they have many parents who want their children in their care.
I cannot imagine our community without our existing daycare facility, because it would make it almost impossible for many parents to go to work or school; this would be detrimental to employers and educational institutions, and ultimately our economy would suffer.
Member’s Statement 011 – 2(2): Birthday Wish to Rachel Uyarasuk
I rise today to recognize one individual, even though there are a lot of people in Igloolik.
Rachel Uyarasuk is well known in her community; I call her my wife when I see her, because of my namesake.
Today she is 91 years old.
Some people think that she is 100 years old, but on her birth certificate she is 91 years old.
I know she is over 90 years old, but we are not sure exactly how old she really is, because we did not have any written documentation at that time.
On behalf of the members and the constituents, I would like to recognize our elders, as they have helped us a lot, and she has done the same for the people of Nunavut.
They should be recognized on this special occasion.
I would like to wish her a happy birthday, and I would also like to send my regards to the Igloolik and Hall Beach people who also wish her a happy birthday today.
Member’s Statement 012 – 2(2): Action Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse
I would also like to say happy birthday to the elder from Igloolik and to have a good day.
I rise today to once again raise the issue of drug and alcohol abuse in our communities.
It has been a concern to the people of Nunavut.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, although there were a number of good ideas and initiatives in yesterday’s throne speech, I was very disappointed to see no reference to the need to act against drug and alcohol abuse.
We all know the damage that drugs and alcohol are doing to our families and communities. (interpretation) A lot of people die because of alcohol. (interpretation ends) This week it was revealed that almost 90 percent of the calls received by the RCMP involved alcohol.
Ninety percent. Ninety out of a hundred calls are related to alcohol abuse.
Some communities are trying to take action, but it isn’t easy.
For example, in my community, Chesterfield Inlet, the residents held a democratic vote early in 2002 to set up an alcohol education committee.
It took me almost two-and-a-half years of questioning and letters to different ministers to take action about holding the vote, and I was pleased to see that the new minister has acted. (interpretation) I am proud of Leona Aglukkaq, (interpretation ends) and I will be tabling her letter to me on the matter later on today.
I have also written to the Minister of Justice on the issue of RCMP drug enforcement.
I was also pleased to see my concerns conveyed to the RCMP, and I was delighted to see the narcotics detection dog take its first bite out of crime in Coral Harbour just a few weeks ago.
The recent news about major seizures at the Iqaluit post office was also excellent news, as the RCMP were able to prevent another load of poison from reaching our streets.
The fight against drugs and alcohol can only be won if we approach it from a number of directions. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays, Mr. Netser.
We must be tough on enforcement around drug and alcohol abuse. (interpretation ends) We must be tough on enforcement.
I want to see our government formally take a stand against any liberalization of drug laws in Canada, the laws that will affect us in Nunavut.
We must strictly enforce our own territorial laws against bootlegging.
I do not like seeing bootleggers putting personal profit at the expense of family structure. (interpretation) They have to be arrested, (interpretation ends) and these criminals deserve to suffer the strongest possible punishment under the law.
We must provide effective counselling and treatment services to our residents who are seeking help.
Social services needs an action plan.
The Department of Finance, which is responsible for the Liquor Act, must help our alcohol education committees fulfill their responsibilities.
Together we can move towards a society free from substance abuse.
Mr. Barbnabas.
Member’s Statement 013 – 2(2): Recreational Facilities Needed
I rise today to present an alternative vision for health and justice in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the Throne Speech yesterday spoke about the devastating results of suicide in our territory.
The commissioner spoke about assisting efforts to reduce and prevent suicide.
The government’s commitment to the four major goals of the Bathurst Mandate was re-stated; one of those goals is Inuuqatigiittarniq – healthy communities.
The Throne Speech also focused on justice and safety for Nunavummiut, highlighting the new justice centre that is being built in Iqaluit ; it will be safer and more secure for victims, court officers, the public, and the accused.
What the Throne Speech didn’t mention, Mr. Speaker, is recreational facilities.
I would like to take this time to emphasize the importance of recreational facilities in supporting healthy communities.
Physical activity is an important part of good mental health and can be a preventative measure for chronic illnesses such as type-two diabetes.
Mr. Speaker, the Throne Speech also made no mention of the importance of recreational facilities in providing alternatives to minor criminal activity: mischief, minor crimes, drug experimentation, and alcohol abuse.
In discussions with law enforcement officers, boredom has been raised as a reason some people get into trouble with the law.
I can’t help but wonder why more of the focus isn’t on keeping people out of the health and justice system in the first place.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be tabling letters from health and justice workers in Resolute Bay advocating for an arena in the community.