EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Chairman, the funds allocated to our department at $500,000 annually was done in the past. With that small amount, there is no way of building a new $30 million to $40 million facility.
So we took that money and used it for baseline studies to do some feasibility work in order to get a couple of steps ahead so that DFO can actually see that we’re doing some work to carry out the baseline studies, I guess.
There are all kinds of work that has to be done before any kind of marine infrastructure is put in, especially fish habitat and other areas, and geotechnical things that have to be done.
So we have been using a bit of that money for doing such work as that and the carryover is ongoing for the amounts stated there.
I was hoping for a perfect answer from the perfect minister.
The rationale behind my question has to do with, as you noted, the $500,000 budget has never really taken us anywhere. You have identified some communities further up in the page and Chesterfield Inlet is one of them that had originally been identified as one of the priorities by the federal government. Back then, I think it was the Liberals.
So do I understand correctly then that the criteria that were used to try and attain some small craft harbours will change in terms of incorporating private property, safety protection, and that sort of stuff?
Pond Inlet was also included in that list.
As I stated, some of the funds were used for initiating background studies for designs and Chesterfield Inlet was one of them. There were several communities that I can’t name off the top of my head.
Chesterfield Inlet was one of them that background studies were done to initiate construction of real proper marine facilities.
As you know, this government does not have $34 million to initiate that type of marine infrastructure construction.
We use this money as the years go by to actually try and get a step ahead in doing these feasibility studies, designs, geotechnical work, and fish habitat studies.
We have been doing that to ensure to the federal government that yes, we’re doing our part in actually preparing the fieldwork for real construction of proper marine facilities within each community.
I just want to comment briefly that I hope the department will incorporate the issues that have been brought up from the membership here from time to time.
Even if communities don’t have the means of having commercial entities get underway, I still feel that they shouldn’t be left out of the picture or out of the radar simply because the properties that we buy nowadays are very expensive, whether it be boats and so forth.
Quite a number of people in our communities do have these types of properties.
I would hope that the department would be receptive to this type of initiative, if it could be included in the study or it should have been included if it was not.
So I just want to make that point because it means something to the communities. (interpretation) Thank you. That’s all.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. (interpretation ends) Did you want to make a comment? Minister Taptuna, please.
Mr. Chairman, with the allotted amount of funds for this type of activity, we gave the minimal. We do try our best to help out with the communities.
In fact, over the last several years, there have been 15 communities that benefited from 300 docks that were purchased by the department.
That will help alleviate some of the safety issues that community members, community hunters, and recreational boaters face. It’s ongoing economic development of these communities.
In the meantime, we will do our best to make sure that we get some of these feasibility studies done in order to make an effort to get the big infrastructure dollars that are needed for proper marine facilities.
Transportation. Total Transportation. $16,818,000.
Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $16,818,000.
Schedule 1. Capital. Capital Appropriation. $130,879,000.
I’m just starting to be a chairman here and I made a mistake. I apologize.
Hopefully I will get used to it.
Go to Bill 61 in your white legislation binder.
Have you found the page? Can we proceed now?
I’m sorry that I don’t have an Inuktitut copy, so I will follow the English version. (interpretation ends) Bill 61, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014.
Chairman (interpretation): While we’re on this page, we will go to the Schedule. (interpretation ends) Schedule.
Total Capital. $130,879,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman: Total Supplementary Appropriation. $130,879,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Go back to page 1 of the bill. (interpretation ends) Clause 4. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Do members agree to Bill 61 as a whole?
Chairman (interpretation): Pursuant to Rule 62(2), does the committee agree that Bill 61 can now immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Minister Peterson, we have concluded with the bill. If you have any closing remarks, I now give you the opportunity. Minister Peterson.
Hon. Keith Peterson: I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and the committee for their excellent questions today. We hope that we were answering to your satisfaction. We’re going to work really hard on getting these projects underway.
I appreciate the work that everybody has put into working on the capital carryovers and the work on these projects to date on behalf of Nunavummiut.
I thank my officials both here in the House today with me here and also in the Gallery and officials back in their offices.
I think we can now proceed to Bill 62.
Minister Peterson, maybe it’s best that you remain there with your officials so that we can proceed to Bill 62. If you have opening comments, I give you that opportunity now.
Bill 62 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014 – Consideration in Committee
I am pleased to present Bill 62, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014.
Bill 62 is for operations and maintenance supplementary appropriations for 2013-14 totalling $255,000. It consists of the following two items:
An interdepartmental transfer from Culture and Heritage to Family Services of $130,000 to transfer one position and the corresponding base funding. This transfer will create a systems support analyst position within Family Services to provide additional necessary resources for program and systems integration, support, and delivery while not affecting operations at Culture and Heritage; and
$255,000 for Nunavut Arctic College for the creation of three positions for janitorial and security services in Iqaluit, which will be two positions, and Rankin Inlet, one position.
The growth in college operations over the past several years have led to increased needs for janitorial and security services, which the college can no longer afford to fund from within.
This appropriation allows them to properly plan the delivery of these services on a permanent, ongoing basis.
If not, we can proceed to the bill on page 4.
Turn to page 4. Family Services.
Pardon me. Maybe this was written because the title has been changed in Inuktitut.
I’m just going to go along with the translation of this bill.
Pardon me. The minister already talked about the name change in Inuktitut.
It will be called “Inulirijikkut” and we will call them as such, Inulirijikkut (Family Services), so we could get used to it.
Family Services. Operations and Maintenance.
Not Previously Authorized. Corporate Management. Total Corporate Management. $130,000.
Total Directorate. -$130,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Total Department. -$130,000.
Total Nunavut Arctic College. $255,000.
Total Department. Not Previously Authorized. $255,000.
Operations and Maintenance Appropriation. $255,000.
Please find Bill 62 in your white legislation binder.
I believe we all have a copy in front of us.
I don’t have an Inuktitut copy of the bill, so I’ll read it in English. (interpretation ends) Bill 62, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014.
Chairman (interpretation): On page 3, Appropriation.
Page 3. (interpretation ends) Schedule. Vote 1: Operations and Maintenance.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $255,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman: Total Supplementary Appropriation. $255,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Go back to page 1. (interpretation ends) Clause 4. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Do you agree to Bill 62 as a whole?
Pursuant to Rule 62(2), does the committee agree that Bill 62 can now immediately be placed on the orders of the day for third reading?
Thank you, members. Minister Peterson, we have concluded with the bill. If you have any closing remarks, you have the floor.
I thank yourself and the committee again for your support of this bill.
These are very important appropriations to help Family Services to continue the good work that they’re already beginning to do and also to support the college to provide better services to our students.
I would like to thank my officials again for the hard work they put into preparing these bills and also the officials back in the department who supported them.
Mr. Enook: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bills 61 and 62 and would like to report that Bills 61 and 62 are immediately ready for third reading.
Bill 61 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 61, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2013-2014, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 61 has been read for the third and final time.
Bill 62 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014 – Third Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet South and Whale Cove, that Bill 62, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 1, 2013-2014, be read for the third time.
The motion is carried and Bill 62 has been read for the third time and is ready for assent.
Just a reminder that there’s a meeting of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts at half past eight in the morning in the Tuktu Room, followed by a meeting of the Full Caucus at half past ten in the Nanuq Room.
Orders of the Day for May 9:
Bill 63
Bill 65
This House stands adjourned until Thursday, May 9, at 1:30 p.m.
I’m sure tonight, there will be some happy hockey fans and, if they’re not happy, some other guys will be even happier, I’m sure.
With that, have a good evening.
DAY 79
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Pages 4464 – 4496
Opening Prayer 4464
Ministers’ Statements 4464
Members’ Statements 4466
Oral Questions 4469
Tabling of Documents 4481
Notices of Motions 4481
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 4482
Motions 4482
First Reading of Bills 4487
Second Reading of Bills 4488
Report of the Committee of the Whole 4495
Third Reading of Bills 4495
Orders of the Day 4495
Thursday, May 9, 2013 4464
281 – 3(3): Polar Bear Management Planning (Arreak) 4464
282 – 3(3): Nunavut Food Security Strategy (Ell) 4465
283 – 3(3): 5544 French Services Line (Arreak) 4465
473 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Arctic College Graduates (Rumbolt) 4466
474 – 3(3): Mental Health Week (Elliott) 4466
475 – 3(3): Pangnirtung’s New Small Craft Harbour (Oshutapik) 4467
476 – 3(3): Recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Arreak) 4468
477 – 3(3): Protocol for Addressing At-risk Youth (Curley) 4468
478 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Staff Housing (Ugyuk) 4469
616 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Submission to the Canadian Competition Policy Review Panel (Aupaluktuq) 4469
617 – 3(3): Tuberculosis Nurse Replacement for Cape Dorset (Schell) 4471
618 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut Staff Housing (Ugyuk) 4472
619 – 3(3): Public Housing Shortages (Curley) 4474
620 – 3(3): Pangnirtung Fisheries (Oshutapik) 4476
621 – 3(3): Award of Contracts for Dental Services (Enook) 4477
622 – 3(3): Public Housing Plans (Rumbolt) 4478
623 – 3(3): Contract for Dental Services (Curley) 4479
356 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Nunavut Lottery Financial Statements, March 31, 2012 (Kusugak) 4481
357 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Submission to the Canadian Competition Policy Review Panel (Aupaluktuq) 4481
358 – 3(3): Correspondence Concerning Public Housing Units in Nunavut (Ugyuk) 4481
049 – 3(3): Opposition to Granting the European Council Permanent Observer Status at the Arctic Council – Notice (Ningeongan) 4481
049 – 3(3): Opposition to Granting the European Council Permanent Observer Status at the Arctic Council (Ningeongan) 4482
Bill 67 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – Notice 4482
Bill 63 – An Act Consequential to the Government Reorganization of 2013 – First Reading 4487
Bill 65 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – First Reading 4487
Bill 67 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – First Reading 4488
Bill 67 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – Second Reading 4489
Bill 65 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Consideration in Committee 4489
Bill 67 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – Consideration in Committee 4492
Bill 65 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act – Third Reading 4495
Bill 67 – An Act to Amend the Integrity Act – Third Reading 4495
Minister’s Statement 281 – 3(3): Polar Bear Management Planning (Arreak)
Good afternoon, residents of Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq, as well as Nunavummiut, whom we represent in this House.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that my department is leading the development of a new Nunavut polar bear management plan.
Representatives from each regional wildlife organization, NTI, and my department are working together on this plan, which will guide polar bear harvest management, habitat stewardship, and set research and monitoring priorities.
This plan will address a number of important issues for Nunavummiut, including public safety, balancing economic development and wildlife sustainability, and ensuring harvesting opportunities for future generations.
Moving forward, a critical step will be to engage Nunavummiut to share their knowledge, values, and perspectives about polar bear management in Nunavut.
Comprehensive community consultations will take place this fall, and we look forward to gathering feedback from Nunavummiut in all communities to inform plan development.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s polar bear management and harvest monitoring systems are seen worldwide as models of success. Other jurisdictions who manage polar bears are looking to Nunavut for examples of successful practices in the co-management of this important species.
This new polar bear management plan will build on our past achievements in maintaining the 12 subpopulations of polar bears we have in Nunavut.
Through this partnership, polar bear management in Nunavut will continue to be guided equally by Inuit societal values and the best available scientific and Inuit knowledge. The new polar bear management plan will help all co-management partners work together in the best interests of both polar bears and Inuit.
Minister’s Statement 282 – 3(3): Nunavut Food Security Strategy (Ell)
Good afternoon, Nunavummiut and Iqalummiut. (interpretation ends) As Members of this House are aware, the new Department of Family Services is now responsible for convening and participating in the Nunavut Food Security Coalition and for providing support for the preparation of the Nunavut Food Security Strategy.
I am pleased to report to the House that following the Nunavut Food Security Symposium in January this year, a draft strategy was completed in March.
It was reviewed in detail by the coalition at a special in-person meeting held here in Iqaluit in April.
The Nunavut Food Security Strategy includes an action plan and both will receive final approval at the next meeting of the Nunavut Food Security Coalition later this month.
The strategy and action plan will be presented to participants at the Nunavut Round Table for Poverty Reduction meetings to be held June 10 to 12.
Mr. Speaker, the strategy focuses on bringing together partners from government, Inuit organizations, the private sector, and non-government organizations to address specific actions needed to improve food security in our communities.
These include action on food prices, support for harvesters, improving public understanding of nutrition, budgeting and food preparation skills, greater access to local food sources, and better support for community food initiatives, including breakfast programs.
Mr. Speaker, I expect to receive the final draft of the Nunavut Food Security Coalition’s strategy and action plan in June.
At that time, I will ensure Members of this House are also provided with copies.
Minister’s Statement 283 – 3(3): 5544 French Services Line (Arreak)
On April 12, the Department of Culture and Heritage launched the 5544 French services telephone line to provide francophones with an initial point of contact with their government.
Line 5544 is a referral service that provides information in French on a wide range of government programs and services.
Mr. Speaker, Line 5544 is a creative and cost-effective approach to deliver basic information on government programs and services in French.
It is operated by existing French-speaking staff within Culture and Heritage, and its services are further delivered “with attention to cultural appropriateness,” in accordance with the Nunavut Official Languages Act.
Please note that for Inuktut services and information, Inuit may continue to contact government liaison officers located in many of our communities.
Mr. Speaker, this initiative marks an important first step towards improving the effective and efficient delivery of territorial government services to Nunavummiut in their official language of choice.
Member’s Statement 473 – 3(3): Congratulations to Nunavut Arctic College Graduates (Rumbolt)
I rise today to congratulate the graduates of the Nunavut Arctic College Office Administration Diploma Program in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, the Office Administration Program is a two-year program which includes 24 courses.
Six of the seven individuals who enrolled in the program graduated this past April.
That is an 86 percent success rate, and I commend the Arctic College instructor for her dedication and hard work in helping these students to reach their goals.
Mr. Speaker, since completing the program, four of the graduates have chosen to continue on with their education and are applying for programs both in and out of Sanikiluaq.
One graduate is applying for local jobs and one graduate is on a casual staffing list and will be considered for the next clerical job opening.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Shoapik Emikotailak, Elizabeth Novalinga, Ann Marie Arragutainaq, Johnny Manning, Sarah Tookalook, and Frank Audla on their success.
Mr. Speaker, next season, the Nunavut Arctic College Learning Centre in Sanikiluaq hopes to offer both adult education courses and a fur design and productivity course.
I wish them every success.
Member’s Statement 474 – 3(3): Mental Health Week (Elliott)
I rise today to add my voice to those who are breaking the silence about youth mental health in Nunavut.
A number of members have been wearing green over the past couple of days in recognition of Mental Health Week and the many activities organized to call attention to this issue.
Mr. Speaker, the high rate of suicide across our territory is unacceptable.
In other jurisdictions, community leaders have called for a state of emergency to be declared as they face situations similar to our own.
We must continue to tackle this rising trend from as many fronts as possible.
Mr. Speaker, our territory does not have adequate professional staff to identify and diagnose mental illnesses.
We lack the resources to treat mental illness. We lack the infrastructure to treat individuals with mental illness.
Nunavummiut who suffer from serious mental illness have to travel out of the territory to be diagnosed, evaluated, and to have the appropriate medication determined.
Mr. Speaker, families who are looking after a family member with a mental illness have very little to rely on by way of support and resources.
There is hardly any respite care available.
This situation takes a serious toll on them as well, especially the children.
Mr. Speaker, the health care staff in our communities, from the mental health workers to the professionals, devote countless hours to addressing mental health issues.
And when there is no mental health worker in the community, the nurses handle these issues along with all of their other duties.
Mr. Speaker, even as legislators, we can do our share.
Nunavut’s Mental Health Act needs to be reviewed, revised, and amended to better meet the needs of our territory.
I am disappointed to note that the government’s latest 2013-16 business plan does not commit to amending Nunavut’s Mental Health Act in the near future.
Mr. Speaker, we must all break the silence about mental health concerns in our territory.
We must all do our part to inform ourselves, to lend support, and to do what we can in our respective jobs and communities to break the cycle of despair and to work towards a brighter future for all Nunavummiut.
Member’s Statement 475 – 3(3): Pangnirtung’s New Small Craft Harbour (Oshutapik)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Legislative Assembly about the progress being made towards completing Pangnirtung’s new small craft harbour.
It will commence in the summertime.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, the 2008 and 2009 federal budgets provided significant funding for the construction of this much needed facility for Pangnirtung.
I am pleased to report that the final construction phase will be underway shortly.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the community is eagerly waiting to open this new facility.
As I noted in my Member’s Statement yesterday, the fishing industry is a vital part of our community and economy. The new harbour facility will greatly strengthen our marine infrastructure and help to encourage growth in our commercial fishery.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, the Prime Minister travelled to Pangnirtung in 2009 to announce this new facility.
On behalf of the community of Pangnirtung, I am pleased to extend an invitation to the Prime Minister, our Member of Parliament, our Senator, and all Members of the Legislative Assembly to attend the official opening of the new harbour later this year.
Member’s Statement 476 – 3(3): Recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (Arreak)
I envy the community of Pangnirtung for getting a small craft harbour.
I want to commend Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients.
Loasie Audlakiak from Qikiqtarjuaq has been the mayor in his community and also has been involved in many Qikiqtaaluk issues.
Iga Hainnu from Clyde River also has been a mayor, as well as a teacher and carver.
Tommy Enuaraq from Clyde River used to be an MLA in the Northwest Territories and used to be our mayor in our community. He has helped in many other capacities.
Levi Nutaralak from Qikiqtarjuaq is involved with safety issues pertaining to youth.
He also tried to instruct his fellow community members for many years. He has been a board member for the HTO and the hamlet council.
Ragilee Piungituq from Clyde River is very active in our community. She is involved with healing and religious programs and how to improve our lives in our communities.
I want to commend these recipients of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Member’s Statement 477 – 3(3): Protocol for Addressing At-risk Youth (Curley)
Good afternoon to my constituents in Rankin Inlet.
We are thinking of them while they are going through a hard time.
At this time, I rise today to say that yesterday, we all had a concern about the fact that our fellow people are in a precarious situation everyday, but the Government of Nunavut is not only responsible to look after in dire need or dangerous situation.
Whenever there are some dire issues within the communities, they should start within the community.
The Nunavut government can also provide more support, like use our own protocol and design for each community.