EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I have one question. Recognizing this review, the final version of the review was completed by September 22, 2010, and also recognizing that there is a high public expectation when we award contracts for the construction of homes and other infrastructure, the infrastructure or housing should be reasonably priced, high quality, and on time.
We have failed to meet those expectations in the past.
Recognizing that it has been about five months, Mr. Chairman, since the report/review was completed, has the Nunavut Housing Corporation department, through the good office of the hon. minister, made any improvements to this, as recommended by the review up to this point?
Have you made any improvements already that we can have a better expectation in the near future?
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ningark. Minister Curley.
I think Nunavut is a very complex territory to actually pin down how best to find not the challenge but solution to the challenges that we face, including severe weather patterns that we have that can delay.
The criterion just to complete projects on this date, in some cases, is very difficult to pinpoint it to a day and a month in view of the fact that we have severe weather patterns.
But what we have been able to do, Mr. Chairman, is to improve the budgeting process and tracking of budgets. Project management also has been strengthened compared to any other time the Nunavut Housing Corporation has been in existence. I think we have a capacity that we are lacking.
We have instituted project managers that are really tracking. The regional district offices are much more vigilant now of the work needed, including here in the directorate, tracking the budget and also working on a realistic budget, not just assuming that it’s going to cost this much by adding a few percentages here and there.
We are dealing with a real, actual budget now, the exact cost of constructing homes, so I think we have made progress.
I think the figures that the housing corporation presented to the finance department have improved, to be honest with you. We have heard that there is a lot more cooperation going on right now between the various agencies.
So having said that, Mr. Chairman, I am personally satisfied that we are on track. Sure, we need to do better and we are going to ensure that we have a governance structure that will eventually allow the corporation to be a lot more at arm’s length than it has been. (interpretation) Thank you.
I have no more names on my list. Do members agree that we have concluded the tabled documents?
I would like to ask the minister if he has closing comments.
Hon. Tagak Curley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Personally I want to thank you for guiding us during this process.
I know that members have had very serious contributions that they have made to this work.
I want to thank all of you because the questions that you raised and the challenges that you have stated are something that we will address.
We will continue to report to the members if there are any further changes that are happening.
We are obligated not only to the Assembly but also to the cabinet and to the Department of Finance for any major changes that are occurring.
So I think that the checks and balances that are in place now will make sure that we’re not going on a fishing trip somewhere and getting to another chaotic, confusing state.
So I want to thank personally all of the members for giving us a run for our money.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Curley and your officials. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can escort the witnesses out.
I move a motion to report progress. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, my colleagues.
We are now on Item 20.
Your committee has been considering Tabled Documents 207 – 3(2), 209 – 3(2), 210 – 3(2), and 212 – 3(2), and would like to report that Tabled Documents 207 – 3(2), 209 – 3(2), 210 – 3(2), and 212 – 3(2) are concluded.
The Member for Amittuq is the seconder.
Going to Item 21.
A reminder that there is a meeting of the Standing Committee on Legislation at nine o’clock tomorrow morning in the Nanuq Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for February 23:
This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
Appendix 1 – February 22, 2011
Return to Oral Question 498 – 3(2): Assessment of Housing Units
Asked by: Fred Schell, MLA (South Baffin)
Asked of: Hon. Tagak Curley, Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation
Date: October 28, 2010
The condition rating assessments were completed from September 2009 to March 2010. Assessments were performed on all NHC owned public housing and GN owned staff housing units.
The contract for the condition rating assessment of 4,704 units was awarded to L. Gordon Consulting Services.
The total cost of the contract was $1,868,307.
Return to Oral Question 501 – 3(2): Office Space for Mental Health in Sanikiluaq
Asked by: Allan Rumbolt, MLA (Hudson Bay)
On October 28, 2010, the member from Hudson Bay asked an oral question in the legislature regarding the Department of Health and Social Services securing office space for mental health and social services in Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, a request for proposals (RFP) was issued by the Department of Community and Government Services to obtain office space in Sanikiluaq for mental health services.
No responses were received as a result of this RFP.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Community and Government Services directly contacted the hamlet in July 2010 to determine if they had space available.
The response to this inquiry was negative.
However, the department has recently learned that the hamlet has since found some office space.
The Department of Health and Social Services will be working with the hamlet and the Department of Community and Government Services to ensure the space is available for occupancy in the near future.
Appendix 2 – February 22, 2011
Return to Written Question 22 – 3(2): New Nunavut Housing Corporation Directorate Office in Iqaluit
Date: November 1, 2010
The lot number of the building in Iqaluit now being used by the Nunavut Housing Corporation for its directorate office is Lot 2, block 227, Plan 3480.
The civic address is 1553 Federal Road.
The total amount expended by the Nunavut Housing Corporation for the acquisition of the building that is now being used as office space for its directorate office was $5.5 million.
NHC purchased the building from NCC Investment Group Inc.
The NHC submitted a request for decision to FMB which was subsequently approved.
The appropriation was included on the GN Finance “2009-10 Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) No. 2”.
The related bill was passed on December 8, 2009 as “Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 2, 2009-2010.”
The following renovations, upgrades, improvements, repairs, and other work were completed on the building subsequent to the Nunavut Housing Corporation taking ownership:
The renovations of building 1553 included the extension of 2nd floor office space over the existing carpentry shop, which included wiring for shop tools and the installation of lighting fixtures in the carpentry shop and maintenance storage area.
Two new exterior entrances for the 2nd level to meet fire code and an elevator for accessibility were also included.
The renovations included windows, doors, insulation, drywall, suspended ceiling, millwork, etcetera, along with carpeting and flooring throughout the building; interior paint; two additional air handling units and ductwork; and data wiring, as per GN standard structured cabling requirements.
Also included in the tenant improvements were the installation of an alarm system, a security camera system, a key scan system, a Local Area Network room, and an upgrade to the fire alarm system on both levels.
The dollar value of the renovations, upgrades, improvements, repairs, and other work completed on the building subsequent to its acquisition by the Nunavut Housing Corporation is $1,253,000.
However, work is still ongoing as the elevator for accessibility has only recently arrived in Iqaluit.
The purchase and sale agreement included the provision for NCC to provide work at cost for renovations, upgrades, improvements, repairs, or other work on the building.
The renovations, upgrades, improvements, repairs, and other work was performed by NCC as part of the purchase and sale agreement.
How much the Iqaluit Housing Authority will pay in rent for the use of the facility on an annual basis has not yet been determined.
In order to reduce administrative costs, NHC will likely adjust the IHA’s funding rather than invoice them for rent.
As with all other NHC owned warehousing and offices, there is no formal lease agreement at this time with the Iqaluit Housing Authority (IHA).
NHC and IHA have not yet determined the particulars of how all of the costs will be split in respect to payment of utilities and other conditions.
However, NHC will likely adjust funding to the IHA rather than charge rent in order to reduce administrative costs.
Premier; Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs; Minister responsible for Immigration; Minister responsible for the Status of Women
Minister of Health and Social Services; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation; Minister responsible for Homelessness
Government House Leader; Minister of Community and Government Services; Minister of Energy; Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation
Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole
Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Management Board; Minister of Justice
Minister of Environment; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College
Minister of Education; Minister of Human Resources; Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pages 3112 – 3158
Opening Prayer 3112
Ministers’ Statements 3112
Members’ Statements 3115
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 3118
Oral Questions 3119
Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters 3138
Tabling of Documents 3139
Notices of Motions 3139
First Reading of Bills 3141
Second Reading of Bills 3142
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 3144
Report of the Committee of the Whole 3156
Third Reading of Bills 3156
Orders of the Day 3157
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 3112
232 – 3(2): 2010 Fishery Results (Shewchuk) 3112
233 – 3(2): Qulliq Energy 25 Kilovolt Substation and Distribution System – Iqaluit (Kusugak) 3113
234 – 3(2): Relocation of the Finance Division and Strengthening of IT Infrastructure of the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Curley) 3113
361 – 3(2): Congratulations to Arctic Fisheries Alliance for New Umiat Corporation (Elliott) 3115
362 – 3(2): Tribute to Sanikiluaq’s Health Centre Staff (Rumbolt) 3115
363 – 3(2): Support for Community-Based Search and Rescue (Ningark) 3116
364 – 3(2): Child and Family Welfare Act (Ugyuk) 3117
365 – 3(2): Passing of Maria Aupilarjuk (Curley) 3117
531 – 3(2): Status of Implementation Plan for Language Legislation (Tapardjuk) 3119
532 – 3(2): Sanikiluaq Health Concerns (Rumbolt) 3121
533 – 3(2): Repulse Bay Water Pump (Ningark) 3122
534 – 3(2): Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour’s INAC Water Use Inspection Report (Ningeongan) 3123
535 – 3(2): Issues with NHC Management (Schell) 3124
536 – 3(2): Devolution Update (Elliott) 3126
537 – 3(2): Children in Care (Ugyuk) 3128
538 – 3(2): New Char Marketing Strategy (Tapardjuk) 3131
539 – 3(2): Capital Adjustments (Elliott) 3133
540 – 3(2): Cape Dorset School Repairs (Schell) 3134
541 – 3(2): Implementation of Language Acts (Elliott) 3136
023 – 3(2): Bill 47, International Interests in Mobile Aircraft Equipment Act (Ningeongan) 3138
024 – 3(2): Bill 48, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, No. 3, Reprint (Ningeongan) 3138
025 – 3(2): Bill 49, Agricultural Products Marketing Act, Repeal (Ningeongan) 3138
026 – 3(2): Bill 50, Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Act, Repeal (Ningeongan) 3139
272 – 3(2): Letter of Expectation 2011-2012 to Simon Merkosak, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Qulliq Energy Corporation (Kusugak) 3139
034 – 3(2): Appointments to the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Privileges – Notice (Tapardjuk) 3139
035 – 3(2): Standing Committee Appointments and Revocations – Notice (Schell) 3140
036 – 3(2): Appointment of Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Ningark) 3140
037 – 3(2): Appointment to the Management and Services Board – Notice (Tapardjuk) 3140
038 – 3(2): Invitation to Witnesses from the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and the Nutrition North Advisory Board to Appear Before the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Elliott) 3140
039 – 3(2): Invitation to Witnesses from the North West Company, Arctic Co-operatives Limited, and Other Entities to Appear Before the Committee of the Whole – Notice (Elliott) 3141
Bill 52 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2009-2010 – First Reading 3141
Bill 53 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2010-2011 – First Reading 3142
Bill 54 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2010-2011 – First Reading 3142
Bill 52 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2009-2010 – Second Reading 3142
Bill 53 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 4, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 3143
Bill 54 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 4, 2010-2011 – Second Reading 3143
Bill 47 – International Interests in Mobile Aircraft Equipment Act – Consideration in Committee 3144
Bill 48 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, No. 3 – Consideration in Committee 3148
Bill 50 – Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Act, Repeal – Consideration in Committee 3152
Bill 49 – Agricultural Products Marketing Act, Repeal – Consideration in Committee 3154
Bill 47 – International Interests in Mobile Aircraft Equipment Act – Third Reading 3156
Bill 48 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2010, No. 3 – Third Reading 3156
Bill 49 – Agricultural Products Marking Act, Repeal – Third Reading 3157
Bill 50 – Nunavut Outfitter Liability Protection Fund Act, Repeal – Third Reading 3157
Honourable Eva Aariak, Honourable James Arreak, Honourable Tagak Curley, Mr. Ron Elliott, Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Mr. John Ningark, Mr. Johnny Ningeongan, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Keith Peterson, Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Fred Schell, Honourable Daniel Shewchuk, Mr. Louis Tapardjuk, Ms. Jeannie Ugyuk.
Speaker (Hon. Paul Okalik) (interpretation): Thank you.
Good afternoon and welcome.
The first item on our agenda is Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 232 – 3(2): 2010 Fishery Results (Shewchuk)
I am very pleased to inform members of the positive results from this past year’s Nunavut fishery. The Baffin region’s deep offshore waters are the source of the vast majority of our territory’s commercial fishery resources.
High catch rates and good prices helped us land our full 9,350 tonne quota of turbot this year, which generated nearly $40 million in revenue. We also had landmark success with shrimp this year.
For the first time ever, Nunavut fisheries landed a significant portion of our adjacent quota, bringing in close to 3,000 tonnes of shrimp valued at over $6 million.
We also have good news stories to share about arctic char, our other major fish resource. Our new Char Marketing Strategy has created a demand for Nunavut char so great that our fish plants have been challenged to meet this demand.
As a result, the plants in Pangnirtung and Rankin Inlet have been looking to source char from other communities, providing new opportunities for our harvesters in Igloolik, Repulse Bay, Qikiqtarjuaq, and possibly other communities.
This expansion will be needed in order to supply char to markets far and wide, including some of the most exclusive restaurants in the United States.
Building on this great momentum, we also have a new branding and marketing strategy underway for Nunavut’s fishing industry as a whole, and we also look forward to commencing vital fisheries research when our new research vessel sets sail this year.
Mr. Speaker, we look forward to the continued success and growth of our fishing industry and are committed to supporting this important and growing sector.
Minister’s Statement 233 – 3(2): Qulliq Energy 25 Kilovolt Substation and Distribution System – Iqaluit (Kusugak)
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to provide an update to my colleagues on the 25 kilovolt distribution upgrade currently underway in Iqaluit.
This upgrade is a major multi-year project for QEC. It requires the construction of a new substation as well as the replacement of most of the existing distribution equipment that is currently in place.
Mr. Speaker, as of today, construction of the substation is 85 percent complete. This spring, the system will undergo testing and commissioning, while the installation of fencing and the ground grid will also be completed following the snow melt.
Much of the equipment and supplies required to begin the distribution phase of the 25 kilovolt upgrade will arrive on the sealift in early summer.
Mr. Speaker, prior to beginning the distribution upgrade, QEC will be working with the contractor to develop a schedule of a series of pre-planned power outages.
These will be required to complete this phase of the project.
We will also develop a communication plan to ensure that Iqalummiut are informed well ahead of time of any planned outages in their neighbourhood so that they may be as prepared as possible.
Mr. Speaker, this 25 kilovolt substation and distribution system upgrade will provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective power service to Iqalummiut.
It will also result in improved power quality and shortened downtimes during planned and unplanned outages in the future.
These upgrades will help to reduce our operating costs, improve our efficiency by reducing system line losses, and help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
This has been designed to grow with the city for at least the next 35 years.
Minister’s Statement 234 – 3(2): Relocation of the Finance Division and Strengthening of IT Infrastructure of the Nunavut Housing Corporation (Curley)
Nunavutmiut and Members of this House demanded that we take decisive action to address the root causes of over-commitments under the Nunavut Housing Trust and the Canada Economic Action Plan funding for the Affordable Housing Initiative.
Mr. Speaker, I want Nunavutmiut and Members of the House here today to know that this government and the Nunavut Housing Corporation are doing so.
Mr. Speaker, you may be aware that we are taking the critical step of relocating the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s core finance division to the directorate office in Iqaluit.
This is a meaningful step, Mr. Speaker, which is necessary for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to strengthen its overall financial management.
My senior managers at the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Speaker, have already engaged the Department of Human Resources and the Nunavut Employees Union in the process to ensure the transfer of the eight positions that make up the finance division is done properly and in a timely manner.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, meetings with the three affected indeterminate employees have been held to ensure they can make informed choices.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is currently working with Human Resources on the range of options it can offer these employees, which could include relocation to Iqaluit or providing assistance in finding alternative positions within the GN.
While the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Human Resources, and the NEU work to ensure the employees’ concerns are addressed, Mr. Speaker, the housing corporation has already begun focusing its attention on transferring the actual workloads from Arviat to Iqaluit.
For example, Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation will have in place the capacity to transfer its accounts payable and receivable functions within the next few months.
Another major step taken to address the causes of the over-commitments, Mr. Speaker, involves strengthening the housing corporation’s IT infrastructure, starting with the hiring of a database and financial systems administrator effective February 14, 2011.
A major impediment to the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s management of the Nunavut Housing Trust and the Canada Economic Action Plan projects was not having a multi-year project management capacity within its financial management software.
For example, Mr. Speaker, all reporting is still currently prepared manually, using data extracted from the FreeBalance and uploaded into an Access database.
New software is still required, Mr. Speaker, to improve the timeliness and reduce the risk of error in this reporting.
And here too, Mr. Speaker, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has already taken action and met with FreeBalance to explore options within their system to accommodate the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s needs. Other software options are also being explored with expediency in mind.
With these actions, Mr. Speaker, we are addressing the root causes of the over-commitments.
These actions address the recommendations of the Auditor General and Deloitte and Touche, the authors of the independent review of the Nunavut Housing Trust, to restructure the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Housing Corporation are committed to ensuring Nunavutmiut are served with the utmost transparency and accountability.
These actions, Mr. Speaker, were taken for the benefit of all Nunavutmiut and so that we can regain their trust in our efforts to address staggering housing challenges faced by Nunavutmiut.
They were taken so that we can be able take better advantage of future opportunities through further investments by the federal government to address Nunavut’s housing needs. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 361 – 3(2): Congratulations to Arctic Fisheries Alliance for New Umiat Corporation (Elliott)
I rise today to congratulate the hunters and trappers organizations in the communities of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay through their affiliation with the Arctic Fisheries Alliance.
Mr. Speaker, as I am sure all members are aware, the Arctic Fisheries Alliance is a partnership between the HTOs and residents of the communities of Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, Arctic Bay, and Qikiqtarjuaq.
For the past couple of years, the Arctic Fisheries Alliance has pushed for higher fishing quotas off Nunavut’s coastal waters, purchase fishing vessels, and continues to work towards accessing the funds needed to construct an offload port in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Yesterday, here in Iqaluit, Cumberland Sound Fisheries Ltd. of Pangnirtung and Arctic Fisheries Alliance announced the formation of Umiat Corporation. This jointly owned company is the first 100 percent Inuit owned corporation responsible for the management and operation of all of the fishing vessels, licences, and quotas allocated to the two owners.
Mr. Speaker, the owners noted that the creation of the Umiat Corporation is a direct result and benefit from the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board’s Commercial Fishery Allocation Policy aimed at maximizing benefits for the fisheries for Inuit and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent example of what communities, business, Inuit organizations, and government can do when they work together.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will join me in congratulating all parties and wish them well in their new business venture there.
Member’s Statement 362 – 3(2): Tribute to Sanikiluaq’s Health Centre Staff (Rumbolt)
I rise today to pay tribute to the dedication and hard work provided by the staff and workers at the Sanikiluaq Health Centre.
Mr. Speaker, starting in the middle of December, extending over Christmas and New Years, and continuing until the end of January, Sanikiluaq experienced an illness that greatly affected the health of many infants and elders in the community.
Mr. Speaker, our local health centre staff worked long, hard hours providing the care and treatment that was needed. I would also like to acknowledge the many members of the community who helped out during this difficult time.