EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The department clearly wants to be able to shift the focus from treatment and crisis intervention to prevention of illness and health promotion, as well as an overall goal of Inusikatiarniq, which is treating people as a whole, including their bodies, their spirits, and their cultural values.
The Standing Committee encourages this direction.
Nevertheless, the Committee is concerned that the approach envisioned seems to be one of hiring more professionals from the south, rather than one of community empowerment.
For example, the goal for the department at the community level is 1 community health nurse for every 200 people and 1 social worker for every 300 people.
Members are not certain that the expense of these additional staff, not to mention the difficulties in obtaining that many new staff given our current difficulties with recruitment, retention, and housing, is worth the trade-off that may come from more investment in the community itself.
There are many models of care delivery that involve the public more and the Standing Committee does not believe that enough effort has been given to them in the past in Nunavut.
Members noted that if there was consistent staff support for a Community Health Committee, members of the Committee could go on local radio and participate in health promotion activities.
Similarly, a good community wellness worker can help the community organize itself to deliver a range of services to children, youth and families, much of which promotes healthy living and community service.
Historically, Inuit had to provide many of these services for each other and we need to reinvigorate this knowledge and experience.
Members were advised that the Department has spoken to the Minister of Community Government and Transportation regarding funding support to Hamlets for the Health Subcommittees, and that the Community Wellness Co-ordinator position is projected at 1 for every 1000 people.
While the need for more prevention and health promotion programs is clear, Members would prefer to support this through supporting specific initiatives of the Department, such as when the Minister discussed the possibility of the Nursing Program with the Members of the Standing Committee in May of 1999.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Department bring forward specific preventative program proposals, not currently possible to fund within the existing departmental budget, which the Committee will consider carefully and bring their understanding of what is needed in the communities to bear on the discussion.
The Standing Committee is particularly concerned with the need for more preventative and proactive approaches in the area of mental health, particularly as it relates to suicide prevention, family break-up, family violence and other forms of abuse.
Members observe that Mental Health workers coming from the south are not as aware of the needs of the community as they should be.
Members also observed that there is heavy reliance on drugs prescribed by visiting doctors or to patients who have been sent out of the community.
This does not always work, as there is not always support for follow-up in the community.
Members want to see mental health workers incorporating both Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and a good knowledge of Inuit language and culture, with a specialized knowledge of mental health skills.
Members feel that there are people in their communities who are capable of learning mental health skills and delivering these services.
Members also feel the need for both male and female mental health workers in their communities.
At the same time, Members recognize that a holistic approach should include both physical and mental health.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Department take a new approach to mental health, which integrates Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and more community involvement in the delivery of mental health programs.
The Committee recommends that the Department establish training programs for mental health workers in the communities, including peer support programs and recruit mental health workers willing and able to share their skills and involve local people at all levels in dealing with mental health issues in their community.
Community Wellness
The Standing Committee was advised that the Department is trying to take a lead role in co-ordinating the various funding initiatives from several departments that fall under the broad heading of "Wellness".
In some communities, wellness co-ordinators work for the Hamlets and in the Baffin, they are part of the Regional Inuit Association.
Members were advised that the community wellness co-ordinators will play a role in the community level health decision-making. The Standing Committee is encouraged by this development.
Members were also advised that the Community Health Representatives (CHRs) will also play a role in the community level health decision making, along with the nurses and social workers.
Members observe that at times, CHRs become secretaries, interpreters, liaison, and have very little time to do health promotion or prevention work.
Members would like to see the role of the CHR clarified and they note that if the CHRs were under the Hamlet Councils, they could promote wellness in the community better.
Members note that both the Community Wellness Co-ordinator and the CHR's could provide support to the Community Health Committees.
The Standing Committee recommends the development of co-ordinated, community-based decision making, in conjunction with the Community Health Committees and looks forward to receiving more information on this model.
The Standing Committee recommends a clarification of the role of the Community Health Representatives and an examination of whether their direct placement in the Hamlets, or with the Community Health Committees would enhance their abilities in the health promotion and prevention area.
Dissolution of the Regional Health Boards
The Standing Committee was pleased to hear that consultants have met with the people in Keewatin, Baffin and the Kitikmeot and that an implementation co-ordinator is in place.
While no timetable was presented, it appears that the planning is continuing on schedule to unify the administrative structure with the participation and involvement of the Regional Health Boards.
As well, the Department is consulting with the 26 communities in Nunavut.
Members were advised the Community Health Committees, such as the one in Kimmirut, are the model for focusing community concern.
If one is not in place, then the Department is looking at a process of talking to the Mayors to see if a Health Subcommittee could be established under the local elected Hamlet.
The Standing Committee recommends that some of the authority and power of the Health Boards be given to the Community Health Committees, especially in the area of health promotion.
It is crucial that staff support be given so that the Community Health Committees can be effective.
The Standing Committee looks forward to receiving detailed information of how the communities will be more involved in health and social service matters.
Telehealth
Members attended a Telehealth demonstration and are aware of some of the possibilities for long distance delivery in Nunavut. Members note that Telehealth is very expensive.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Department conduct an evaluation of this technology in the pilot communities and they look forward to receiving further information on the Telehealth projects.
Nunavut Nursing Program
The Standing Committee was very pleased to see the Nunavut Nursing Program up and running in September in Iqaluit.
The Committee earnestly hopes the program succeeds and is a model for training other health care providers in Nunavut.
The Standing Committee recommends that the Department and the College put extra effort into ensuring that the students successfully complete the program and looks forward to receiving updates on the program.
The Minister advised that a departmental capital plan had been initiated, to deal with the needs for renovation of existing facilities and the need for new ones.
Members raised some concerns about the P3 funding process, and the prospect of expensive long term commitments, as well as the potential difficulties in staffing these facilities, given the current difficulties in staffing health centres.
The Minister advised that a consultant has been hired to do a program operational review of the P3 projects, which will do a cost analysis.
This will be presented to Cabinet.
The Standing Committee recommends that any P3 financed projects be reviewed by Members in the same manner as any other capital projects, prior to their final approval.
Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development – Report on the 1999/2000 Six Month Departmental Progress Update
Few departments seemed able or willing to provide materials much in advance of Ministerial presentations.
Generally speaking, the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development was satisfied with the progress to date made by the four departments under its oversight mandate.
Minister Anawak appeared before the Committee on October 15, 1999.
The Committee strongly supports efforts by the Department to ensure that full Inuktitut and Innuinaqtun translations of all Bills are prepared.
The Committee recommends that this initiative be extended to other core Justice materials, such as the Nunavut Gazette.
Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Training for RCMP and Corrections Staff
Members of the Committee were pleased to learn of the recent successful graduation of several Inuit RCMP cadets.
The Committee is of the view that that there is a need for better cross-cultural training to be provided to non-Inuit members of the RCMP and corrections staff.
The Committee is also of the view that the Department has an important role to play in working with federal counterparts in this regard.
The Committee recommends that the Department follow up on this issue.
Departmental Spending to Date
The Minister indicated that he anticipated that the Department would conclude the fiscal year with a surplus, although no specific figures were provided.
The surplus is primarily a result of not all positions being staffed.
Corrections Planning Committee
The Minister indicated that the Report of the CPC would be submitted to the Minister shortly.
The Standing Committee looks forward to receiving a copy of the report.
Members of the Committee, in their discussions with the Minister, emphasized the need for much greater emphasis on programs that genuinely emphasize rehabilitation and healing, as opposed to simple "warehousing" of offenders.
The Committee is of the view that corrections is an area in which Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit can be of great help in program design and delivery.
Members of the Committee also expressed concern over the issue of youth incarceration, and encourage the Minister to pursue solutions that work to support healthy families. The Committee reiterates its support for the use of on-the-land camps.
Community Justice Committees
The Minister indicated that officials will be working with the Crown, the RCMP and CJCs on a Diversion Policy.
The Standing Committee reiterates its support for movement in this area.
The Committee also recommends that the Department work to ensure that CJCs in all regions have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
Law Review Commission (Maligarnit Qimirrujiit)
The Minister indicated that departmental staff will be assigned to support the work of the Commission.
The Committee is supportive of this important initiative, and expressed its desire to see it play a part in fostering fundamental reform to the justice system as a whole, making it more reflective of Inuit values.
Community Government and Transportation
Airport Capital Assistance Program
The Minister indicated that discussions between the Department and the federal government were progressing well.
The Standing Committee is supportive of the Minister's efforts in this area.
Safety Standards and Emergency Response
The Minister indicated that departmental officials were working to ensure equitable safety standards and emergency services would apply across Nunavut.
The Standing Committee is supportive of this policy direction.
Members of the Committee indicated to the Minister that situations continue to arise on the land and at outpost camps in which confusion between the responsibilities of SAR and medevac are evident.
The Standing Committee recommends that the departments of CGT and HSS work to resolve the issue; and that adequate funding be provided for SAR operations.
Community Empowerment
The Minister indicated that the department plans to hold consultations with Mayors and the Nunavut Association of Municipalities to discuss such issues as block funding and transfer of responsibilities.
Members of the Committee recommend that transfer of responsibilities to communities be accompanied by adequate resources.
Minister Thompson appeared before the Committee on October 15, 1999.
The Minister advised the Standing Committee that hiring is in progress for a new president of the Housing Corporation.
The Minister also indicated that the work of the Minister's Task Force on Housing would commence shortly.
Two Members of the Standing Committee serve on the Task Force.
In keeping with the Bathurst Mandate's commitment to making housing one of the Government of Nunavut's two primary commitments; and while recognizing and supporting the potential for the Minister's Task Force to make a valuable contribution to housing policy reform; the Committee nonetheless continues to recommend that the Minister make every effort to secure additional resources from any government-wide surplus during the current fiscal year to purchase materials for housing construction to start in the year 2000.
Review of Contracting Regulations and the Nunavut Business Incentive Policy
The Minister indicated that a departmental working group is in the process of conducting a review these issues, in consultation with NTI.
Given the longstanding and fundamental concerns expressed throughout Nunavut surrounding the issue of government contracts, tenders and adherence to the provisions of Article 24 of the NLCA, the Standing Committee intends to follow developments in this sphere with a high level of attentiveness; and to continue to push to ensure that the Government deals with these issues in a spirit of genuine commitment to Article 24, and the principles of transparency and fairness.
Internet Access for Small Communities
The Standing Committee was pleased to learn of progress being made in connecting Nunavut communities to the Internet.
The Committee recommends that smaller communities not be ignored in this respect.
Perceived Cost Overruns on NCC Housing Projects
Members of the Committee conveyed to the Minister concerns expressed to them that significant cost overruns have been experienced in NCC housing projects.
The Standing Committee recommends that the department inquire into the matter, and that the Minister report the findings to the House.
Assisting Small Contractors Compete
The Committee expressed its support for the department's breaking down of large construction contracts into smaller components so that smaller Nunavut companies have a better opportunity to compete.
Utilizing Appropriate Designs and Technologies in Construction
Members of the Committee expressed their desire for the department to better use local knowledge and Nunavut-appropriate designs and technologies in construction and other projects.
Members take note that the Department has recently called for expressions of interest for public housing design concepts.
Minister Kilabuk appeared before the Committee on October 16.
Mining Sector  The Minister outlined some recent departmental initiatives, including the signing of a geoscience accord with the federal government, and the prospectors' program.
The Committee recommends that the department place strong emphasis in its planning to be prepared for significant increases in mining activity over the next few years in Nunavut; and that efforts be made, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, to provide training programs for residents of the Territory to secure employment in this sector.
"One Window" Approach
The Minister indicated that the department is continuing to work towards a "One Window" approach for support to small business.
While supportive of this initiative in principle, the Committee recommends that the approach be developed in such a way as to greatly improve the present level of accountability for public funds and the transparency of funding policy.
The Committee further recommends that greater emphasis on effective follow-up support and advice for funding recipients be made.
Relations with Other Jurisdictions
The Committee reiterates its support for the Minister's efforts to secure a fair deal for Nunavut in such areas as fishing quotas; and for the Minister's efforts to negotiate an MOU on economic development with the Government of Canada.
Arts and Crafts Sector
Members of the Standing Committee recommend that the department continue to pursue innovative ways of supporting the arts and crafts sector; including support to carving associations and ways to ensure the ready availability of carving materials in communities.
Speaker (interpretation): Item 11, Reports of Standing and Special Committees.
Tabled Document 16 - 1(3): Newspaper Article “Whale Gets Funding”
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to table this copy of a Nunatsiaq News article from September 27th, titled, “Whale Gets Funding”.
It is about a commitment made by the Minister of Transportation to a community regarding funding for a project. I would like to table it for members to be aware and also I will be following up with it at the appropriate time.
Tabled Document 17 - 1(3): Clyde River Hamlet Assessment
I would like to table a document from the Clyde River Hamlet assessment on funding deficiencies.
Tabled Document 18 - 1(3): Unsigned Note to Mr. Picco
Mr. Speaker I have been asked by the Hon. Ed Picco to table the note that he received earlier today.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Tabling of Documents.
I am not sure if this is the appropriate time to read the motions from the Committee on Health & Social Services.
Is this the appropriate time to do so.
I think the motion would have to be in the Committee of the Whole.
Item 19, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters; Standing Committee Reports 10 – 1 (3), 11 – 1 (3), and according to the authority vested in me by Motion 3 – 1 (3), the Committee of the Whole will stay in session until the reports are dealt with.
Mr. Irqittuq has the chair.
Chairperson (Mr. Irqittuq) (interpretation): Good afternoon.
During the committee of the whole we will deal with the standing committee reports 10 – 1 (3) and 11 – 1 (3).
We will have to consider these, what is the wish of the committee.
Which report would you like to deal with first, 10 – 1 or 11 – 1.
I apologize, I didn’t get a chance to put the numbers on my reports but I would like to deal with Culture, Education and Health Standing Committee report and afterwards deal with Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development.
We will deal with 10 – 1 (3) standing committee report.
The standing committee report was tabled and read and with your indulgence I have motions to read Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): I will have Mr. Puqiqnak read first, then myself and then Mr. O'Brien.
Committee Motion 10 - 1(3): Capacity for Electronic Communication
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): I almost stood up.
This motion is for Culture, Language, Elders & Youth.
Mr. Chairman I move that the committee recommends that enough staff and enough computers with capacity for electronic communication with the Government of Nunavut be put in place in Igloolik immediately in order for the Language Bureau to be of timely service to the other departments.
Any comments to the motion.
Committee Motion 11 - 1(3): Language Policy
I move that the committee recommend reiterates the recommendations made on page 20 in the May 1999 report;
That, as the first priority the Nunavut Government develop a language policy which clearly states which government information will be translated or interpreted and how this translation or interpretation services are co-ordinated or accessed.
That, Culture, Language, Elders & Youth develop a clear plan of action to implement this policy;
That, in consultation with Nunavut Social Development Council and other organizations interested in these issues, the Government of Nunavut develop a broad policy discussion paper to consult with the people of Nunavut to reach consensus on how the Government of Nunavut should deal with these issues such as different dialects, spelling protocols, key government terms and how future decisions should be made on these issues;
That, the Government of Nunavut adopt a comprehensive training program for Inuktitut.
Committee Motion 12 - 1(3): Translation of Nunavut Legislation
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee recommends that sufficient funding be secured to translate all Nunavut legislation into Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.
The motion is in order, comments or questions.
Committee Motion 13 - 1(3): Detail on Heritage and Archival Facility
Mr. Chairman, I move that the committee receive more detail on the proposed Heritage Centre and archival facility and reiterate the recommendation made on page 21 of the May 1999 report;
That, in consultation with the Inuit Heritage Trust and other organizations interested in these issues, CLEY develop an options paper for creating Heritage facilities in Nunavut, which would include options for creating small facilities or displays in each community and options for partnerships for administration.
Committee Motion 14 - 1(3): One Stop Funding Source for Arts Community
Mr. Chairman I move that the committee recommends that the Nunavut Arts Council provide one-stop funding information for all funding available to Nunavut artists, musicians and cultural workers.
What kind of artists will the Nunavut Arts Council consist of.
Mr. Puqiqnak would you like to respond.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Arts Council, they are called NACA, Nunavut Arts Council Association, and we also considered the fact that the artists do get funding from the Federal Government.
We do have heritage funds in Ottawa and every spring usually the carvers have a festival in Inuvik.
We were wondering if we could have similar programs in Nunavut and have our own Nunavut Arts Council Association.
This entity would be able to provide one stop funding, as we do have funding sources from the Federal Government.
The Ottawa Inuit Art Foundation supplies some funding to Nunavut when they ask for it and they bring Inuit people down there to carve.
If we have our own Nunavut Arts Council we can generate more income in Nunavut.
Perhaps just in addition to that I would like to see some sort of document outlining this issue.
I apologize, all of the details are in the standing committee reports, we are just reading the recommendations right now.
So if you read all of the standing committee reports you would have had a more clear understanding.
Any other comments or questions to the motion.
Committee Motion 15 - 1(3): Funding for Inuit Place Names Project
Mr. Puqiqnak (interpretation): Mr. Chairman I move that the committee recommends that the Department work in co-ordination with Inuit organizations to provide funding and support to communities to assist them in Inuit place names projects.
Chairperson (interpretation): The motion is in order.
It says Inuit organizations here.
Who are the Inuit organizations.
Could you explain that a bit to me please.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): There are many Inuit organizations, which organizations are we talking about.
Mr. Nutarak (interpretation): Culture, health, education committees.
We do have the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
These are the organizations that I automatically think of when I think about Inuit organizations, but now I understand when I see the documentation here.
Chairperson (interpretation): The motion is on the floor, any other comments.