EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, in May the Legislative Assembly approved a total of $8.4 million in supplementary appropriations. The majority of that increase, totalling $6.2 million, was for the financial impact of the power rate increase, effective April 2005.
In addition, we will be bringing forward supplementary appropriation bills for your consideration during this session. These appropriations include:
Additional funding for the Nunavut Housing Corporation to address the immediate shortage of staff housing in Iqaluit and for enhancements to the Nunavut Home Repair Program.
Additional funding for the establishment of a new Devolution Division in the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Additional resources for the Department of Justice for the Law Enforcement Program, as well as for Legal Services Board and Court Services.
As a result of additional expenditure requirements and increased contingencies to offset the rising costs of energy, our revised expenditure projections for 2005-06 are $21.9 million higher than outlined in the budget.
The net impact of these revenue and expenditure adjustments to the 2005 Budget means that the original budgeted surplus of $3.6 million, has now changed by $12.3 million to a projected deficit of $8.7 million.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut continues to be reliant on imported petroleum for all of our energy needs. In the past two years, the cost to procure the necessary fuel products for our territory has soared dramatically.
These increases have put a tremendous fiscal strain on individuals, businesses and the Government of Nunavut.
I have met with the Federal Finance Minister and have requested help to offset the rising cost of energy for Nunavut.  We must continue, however, to manage our finances prudently.
Our approach to expenditures will be even more important now to help ensure that we are equally prepared for the challenges that await us.
Mr. Speaker, I will now introduce the Capital Appropriation Act for 2006-07.
For the fiscal year 2006-07, our government is planning to allocate $104 million for capital expenditures on projects that will benefit communities throughout Nunavut.
This amount compares to the $102 million allocated in the Capital Estimates for 2005-06.
The Department of Health and Social Services has the single largest capital budget for the coming fiscal year at $22.7 million.
The objective of the GN continues to be the ability to provide health care for Nunavummiut closer to home. As members are aware, the regional health centers in Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet were officially opened during this fiscal year.
Included in this budget is $9.2 million for the Qikiqtani General Hospital here in Iqaluit.
This facility is expected to be completed in late 2006.
In addition, funding of $3.8 million will be allocated for the construction of each of the continuing care centres in Gjoa Haven and Igloolik and $5 million for the replacement of the health centre in Pangnirtung.
Mr. Speaker, consistent with our government’s goals of improving access to education and providing affordable housing for all Nunavummiut, approximately 39 percent of the capital budget, or roughly $40 million, is for education projects and housing.
The allocation includes funding for the completion of the addition to the Aqsarniit School in Iqaluit, renovations to the elementary school with gym in Gjoa Haven, and the improvement of Nunavut Arctic College student accommodations in Iqaluit and Rankin Inlet.
In addition, the budget includes approximately $1.5 million for a design of both the new folk school and trade school, and $1.6 million for renovations to Sakku School in Coral Harbour.
The Capital Estimates include $5 million for public housing.
Mr. Speaker, these units will be constructed in those communities that have the greatest need and did not receive unit allocations in 2005-06.
In addition, $11.5 million has been allocated for modernization and improvement retrofits, of which $4.3 million will be recovered from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The total budget for the Department of Community and Government Services capital expenditures in 2006-07 is $21.7 million.
This includes $16.4 million for community projects and $5.3 million for projects in the Petroleum Products Division.
The capital projects undertaken by this department affect almost all communities in Nunavut.
In addition to the capital contribution of $4 million for projects in Iqaluit, approximately $4.6 million will be spent on water supply and sewage facilities.
This includes sewage lagoon repairs in Cape Dorset, a sewage treatment plant and water works in Rankin Inlet, planning for a new water line in Pond Inlet, and sewage lagoon work in Kugluktuk.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has been allocated a budget of $3.2 million. This funding will be used primarily for contributions to community heritage and elders and youth centres across Nunavut.
In addition, funding has been made available for contributions for recreation facility projects and $1.5 million has been allocated for the Nunavut Heritage Centre.
The Department of Justice will receive $5.1 million for capital projects in the coming year.
This includes $1.6 million for the new Justice Centre in Iqaluit and $2.4 million for a men’s correctional healing facility.
For 2006-07, the Department of Environment will have a capital budget of $2.2 million.
This funding will be used for various parks and wildlife projects around Nunavut including the replacement of the wildlife offices in Hall Beach and Cambridge Bay.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation has a capital budget of $8 million for a wide range of expenditures, including for airport maintenance equipment, a deep-water port study and projects under the Strategic Highway Infrastructure Program.
In addition, $4.0 million has been allocated to an airport replacement project in Arctic Bay.
As well, in conjunction with the federal government’s $10.7 million contribution under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the GN will allocate $1 million towards improvements at the Iqaluit Airport.
Mr. Speaker, the Office of the Legislative Assembly will receive approximately $300,000 for upgrades to the audiovisual system, the chamber and offices.
To conclude Mr. Speaker, while our government will continue to balance the social and infrastructure needs of our territory with the need to maintain a sound financial position, the impact of rapidly rising energy costs is making our task more difficult.
I remain confident, Mr. Speaker, that with the hard work and cooperation of all of us we can continue to make much progress in developing a territory that we all can be proud of and in providing good government to all Nunavummiut.
Minister’s Statement 002 – 2(3): Loss of Assembly Broadcasting (Kilabuk)
I rise today to inform my colleagues and the public about the loss of our Assembly broadcast, which has been carried by APTN to date.
Also I stand not knowing if this statement will reach our communities in a timely manner. It may not be until Hansard arrives into the communities, and even then, if people will have the time to read the information.
I stand today also to apologize for informing the public a couple of days ago through the media of the new proposed changes for broadcasting the Third Session’s proceeding on APTN, which I stated would take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and other times in other regions.
(interpretation) Mr. Speaker, sadly, there will be no broadcasts, radio or television, to the public of our proceedings through APTN or any other network outside of Iqaluit.
This House does not have the networks or means of broadcasting its own proceedings to the public, thus has relied on APTN to provide this essential service.
(interpretation ends) I seek the support of the members of this Assembly to immediately make known to APTN and its management our need and our desire to resolve this problem for the benefit of our constituents and the public at large as soon as possible.
Minister’s Statement 003 – 2(3): Makivik Agreement (Okalik)
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to inform the House and all Nunavummiut, and my colleagues, that the Government of Nunavut initialled the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement on November 15.
Yesterday Makivik, Canada, and the Government of Nunavut ratified the final agreement before it comes into effect.
On October 24, 2005, the Honourable Andy Scott, the Federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and I reached an agreement that will ensure the allocation of Nunavik Inuit to fish in the Davis Strait is done in a manner that does not undermine the Nunavut Inuit rights to the bulk of the turbot and shrimp allocation in the Davis Strait.
Mr. Speaker, the initialled Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement now guarantees Nunavut Inuit a share of turbot and shrimp allocations in the south and north zones of Davis Strait that exceeds any allocations granted to Nunavik Inuit by the Government.
Mr. Speaker, to be clear, this agreement does not signify any change in the Government of Nunavut’s position that the Federal Fisheries Management Policy should include a commitment to the Fisheries Development Strategy that has as its objective Nunavummiut receiving a fair and majority fishery allocation in the waters adjacent to Nunavut.
The Government of Nunavut will continue to work with Nunavik Inuit, and the Government of Canada in implementing the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement and developing a fisheries regime in the Davis Strait that reflects the constitutional protection accorded to Inuit fisheries in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Member’s Statement 015 – 2(3): Tribute to Pat Lyall (Aglukkaq)
I rise today to pay tribute to Pat Lyall who had a sudden passing on October 24.
For all that knew him Pat Lyall lived in Taloyoak but managed to work tirelessly on behalf of people across the north.
Mr. Speaker, I have known Pat ever since I can remember. He was a good friend of many of the Members of this House.
I will miss his sense of humour, listening to his stories, and my conversations with him.
In business, Pat’s contribution was instrumental in forming some of the most successful enterprises currently operating both in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
His business acumen was legendary and corporations such as Nunasi, IBC, TVNC (now APTN) owe him a debt of gratitude.
Pat believed in keeping the benefits of business in the north and he worked hard for this cause.
Outside of the office, Pat was a family man and a strong advocate of Inuit culture, language and committed to supporting youth.
He loved being out on the land and with his family and friends.
I remember fondly our trip with him last October to his cabin. He took the time from his busy schedule to entertain myself and my cabinet colleagues during our retreat in Taloyoak.
Individuals like Pat Lyall make a real difference in our society for the betterment for all Nunavummiut. He will be missed by many who know him.
I ask the Members of this House to join me in extending our condolences to Pat’s wife Leah, his children, and his family on their loss.
Member’s Statement 016 – 2(3): APTN Broadcast (Barnabas)
I rise today as the Chair of our Full Caucus to speak on the issue that you raised yesterday in the House concerning APTN’s broadcast of our proceedings.
Mr. Speaker, during the recent CBC lockout, I received numerous concerns from my constituents, especially elders.
The lockout resulted in my communities feeling that they had been cut off from the rest of the territory and the country.
The lack of news in Inuktitut was especially hard on the elders.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, APTN’s decision to bump the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly is the wrong thing to do.
As the MLA for three communities I know that our residents appreciate the opportunity to watch our House in session.
Mr. Speaker, broadcasting the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, and English has proven an effective way of keeping our residents informed and connected.
APTN’s plan will result in less prime time aboriginal language programming.
Mr. Speaker, I urge APTN to reconsider this decision.
Member’s Statement 017 – 2(3): Decaying Infrastructure – Qikiqtarjuaq Health Centre (Arreak)
Mr. Arreak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to raise the issue of decaying infrastructure in the community of Qikiqtarjuaq. Mr. Speaker, the Qikiqtarjuaq Health Centre was first built in 1972 and was renovated in 1991.
At over 33 years old, the Qikiqtarjuaq Health Centre is the oldest community health centre in Nunavut. The only facilities older than this one were in three regional centres where modern new facilities have recently been opened or will be open in a year or two.
Mr. Speaker, as many Nunavummiut know, a healthy environment is important to healthy life styles. A healthy work environment, especially in a health facility, is critical to promoting health and wellness in a community.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that Members are aware through the news of a recent concern raised at the Inuksuit School in Qikiqtarjuaq. Several students and staff experienced health problems that seemed to be caused by something in the school.
Mr. Speaker, I know that the Department of Education has already taken steps to investigate the cause of the health problems in Inuksuit School. In the meantime the school is temporarily closed.
Mr. Speaker, Qikiqtarjuaq is a small community but it deserves as good and stable an infrastructure as every other community in Nunavut.
An old and aging health centre and an unhealthy school environment are just two examples of infrastructure that does not promote the well-being of a community.
Member’s Statement 018 – 2(3): APTN Broadcast (Tootoo)
I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing my shock and outrage at APTN’s decision to bump the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly from our previous time slot.
Mr. Speaker, we often talk about the need for transparency and accountability in government.
The media itself has a role to play in acting as a watchdog on the decisions that we as elected representatives take on behalf of the public.
That is why I was particularly astonished that APTN’s decision makes it more difficult, if not impossible, for the public to keep up with what’s happening in their Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to hear that you are working with your counterparts in Yellowknife and Whitehorse to resolve this situation.
All three northern legislatures do their best to make their proceedings open and accessible to the public whom we serve and Mr. Speaker, as Minister Aglukkaq pointed out, I urge APTN to remember their roots and where they came from.
And, also, I urge them to reconsider this terrible decision that they’ve made in keeping Nunavummiut in Nunavut and residents of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon in the dark as far as what’s going on with their governments.
Member’s Statement 019 – 2(3): Economic Development in Nunavut (Peterson)
It will come as no surprise that I rise today in support of economic development in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I took the time to read the 2005 Nunavut Economic Outlook when it was released by the Nunavut Economic Forum earlier this month.
While the outlook contains several bright notes, I was quite concerned by some of the overarching themes and how it will impact economic development in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time that I have stood in this House to raise an issue of a seemingly confused strategy that has been produced by the government.
Regular members and ministers alike have agreed that the government and its limited resources cannot be all things to all people and that priorities must be determined.
There seems to be a strategy for any possible type of economic activity but it has never been clear to me where the government’s priorities are. The 2005 Nunavut Economic Outlook agrees with my concerns. The Outlook asks the same questions that Members in this House have raised, quote, “How will Nunavut resolve competing ideas for its economic and social development?
How will it prioritize between strategies? How will it prioritize within each strategy?”
Further it states and I quote, “To the greatest extent possible Nunavut must resolve these debates within Nunavut so it can present its ultimate decision to external sources with a unified voice. A fractured message becomes a message unheard.”
Mr. Speaker this is a real concern if our ministers’ travel to Ottawa and other southern destinations to negotiate for federal funding. To be taken seriously, it is essential that our leaders have a clear, concise plan for implementing the territory’s various strategies.
Mr. Speaker, the status of economic development is definitely not 100 percent bleak. One piece of good news was announced this week; construction at the Tahera Jericho mine is ahead of schedule. This, too, has a bittersweet edge.
In an interview with the media, representatives of Tahera said that although Tahera doesn’t have a problem attracting workers, heavy equipment operators are scarce.
Mr. Speaker it’s a shame that the Government of Nunavut has moved so slowly in preparing Nunavummiut for careers in the mining sector. I’ve not been the only one to stress the need for trades training closer to home.
Mr. Speaker, I’m sure that I speak for all regular members when I assure the House that we are ready to work hard and carry a unified front with respect to economic development in Nunavut.
Member’s Statement 020 – 2(3): Congratulate Graduates (Brown)
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate the students that graduated last summer, one person in particular from Whale Cove, Glenda Uluqsi.
It’s very important that the x-ray technician work is done by the people in the community and there was an individual from Whale Cove who graduated from that course.
There were three graduates that graduated from grade 12; Darryl Agjuk, Maxine Aanguk and Rain Agjuk. Those are the three graduates from grade 12 from Whale Cove.
I would like to congratulate them from Inuglak School in Whale Cove and I expect that there will be more graduates in the next year.
I would like to say hello to my constituents in Rankin Inlet and in Whale Cove.
Member’s Statement 021 – 2(3): Federal Support for Deep Water Port (Picco)
I recently wrote the Minister of National Defense, the Honourable Bill Green, and the Minister for National Transportation, the Honourable Jean Laverre, in regard to federal support for the Iqaluit Port Project.
Mr. Speaker, as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Iqaluit East, I also spoke to the city officials and the Mayor, Her Worship Elisapee Sheutiapik on this project. Mr. Speaker, it’s the only jurisdiction in Canada not on a national transportation link and as the trans-shipment point for almost 60 percent of Nunavut’s population the proposed deep water freighting, marshalling, and dockage area would be a benefit to the entire territory.
It is an embarrassment Mr. Speaker, an embarrassment that among circumpolar countries, Canada, Canada alone, has no facilities, infrastructure, or logistic supports for our coast guard and navy.
Issues of national defence Mr. Speaker, and sovereignty have been raised and I believe this project would not only help facilitate and strengthen Canada’s circumpolar role but position us for the changes and challenges we are seeing with increased naval shipping Mr. Speaker, naval and civilian shipping North of 60.
Mr. Speaker, the Iqaluit Port Project represents economic as well as political and sovereignty opportunities for Iqaluit, Nunavut, and Canada. Depending on what happens in the next few weeks on the political scene in Ottawa, Mr. Speaker, I will be seeking meetings with Minister Green, Mr. Laverre, and city representatives. The Mayor would also be attending those meetings with me.
Member’s Statement 022 – 2(3): APTN Unfair (Curley)
I rise today to add my voice to those who have expressed their disappointment at the recent decision by the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network that has left our Assembly without a home on the airwaves.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, since the creation of this legislature we have taken great pride in our ability to communicate through our broadcasts the very important work that we do in the chamber.
I am saddened to know that for the first time Nunavummiut outside Iqaluit will not be able to watch in a timely and convenient manner, their elected representatives at work.
Mr. Speaker, it seems unfair that APTN, whose birth and heritage lies in Television Northern Canada, has turned its back on the very regions that made its existence possible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to call upon all Nunavummiut to write, to call, and to email APTN and let them know that the broadcast of the Legislative Assembly belongs in the time slot that is accessible to all Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that the management of APTN who will hear this message will come to understand that Nunavummiut both desire and need to access these proceedings and will allow the Assembly to be broadcast in a time slot that has served Nunavummiut for many years.
Member’s Statement 023 – 2(3): Disappointed at APTN Broadcast (Kattuk)
Mr. Kattuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, rise today to speak on the issue of APTN.
Just before I came here for the session I had to go on the local radio station and inform the people of Sanikiluaq that they won’t be able to view us on APTN.
There was a lot of opposition to the changing of the time slot and it is of concern to all the people of Nunavut.  Mr. Speaker, usually on my travel from Sanikiluaq to Iqaluit I meet up with quite a number of people and they are very interested in watching the proceedings of the House through APTN.
Usually, when I see the people out there, they are very happy to see me in person after they have been watching the proceedings in the House.
They recognize this and they have to have the same types of services that are made available to the rest of Canada. There has been no resolution to this problem yet and it has created a problem.
I am well aware that APTN has a lot of programs to air but they do have to accommodate us.
Going to the Orders of the Day. Item 4.
I am the only one who can recognize this particular individual in the House. We have just been talking about APTN but there are other media personal here as well, we have the editor of Nunatsiaq News.
Mr. Jim Bell who’s from my riding and we also have CBC personnel here. I would like to thank them very much for covering the proceedings of the House.
That is one way of keeping the constituents informed.
Let us forget about APTN for now.
I would like to recognize an individual from Winnipeg. I am sure that you heard about the GPS training and he is one of the individuals from there Tom Tisii.
I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize a constituent and a good friend, and unfortunately another constituent of mine shares the disposition as a couple Members of this side of the House who cheer for hockey, Jutanie Davidee.
I would like to welcome him to the House and finally thank him for coming down.
I would like to recognize Paul Pemik.
I am sure you know him.
He is from Arviat and a member of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and welcome to the House Mr. Pemik.
This individual is a student, Joe Iyerak.
I am very pleased to acknowledge and welcome to the Gallery today students from the Environmental Technology Program at Nunavut Arctic College and their instructor.
Mr. Speaker, they are seated behind me and I would like to introduce some of the people.
Moe Guimond from Iqaluit, Andrew Keenainak from Pangnirtung, Alex Farady of Iqaluit, Jerry Arreak from Igloolik, Kelly Akpaliapik from Pond Inlet.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them as well as their instructor Jason Tusurak for the environmental technology program in Iqaluit. I would like to welcome them to the Gallery.
Just a minute, I was writing the names for Oral Questions.
Question 011 – 2(3): Waiving of Inuit Employment Clause (Tootoo)