EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Chairman, the committee members are concerned that Government of Nunavut funded projects in some communities are not subject to provisions that will ensure economic benefit to the community through local employment and the use of sub-contracts for local companies.
For example, members have received correspondence from the hamlet of Repulse Bay stating that the company contracted to repair the tank farm in that community purchased their own heavy equipment perhaps using the government money rather than renting Hamlet-owned equipment and that the local workers are only being hired for menial positions.
Even though there are skilled workers in that community, the hamlet had been under the impression that the contracted company would be using their heavy equipment in hiring local workers.
This example highlights the perception that exists across the territory that the NNI policy is not being applied consistently and rigorously.
Committee members urge the minister to ensure that the contract provisions are transparent, fairly enforced, and clearly communicated to the hamlets concerned.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Chairman, Standing Committee believes that every Government of Nunavut construction contract is an economic development and training opportunity for the community in which it takes place.
All members are aware that the infrastructure in many communities across Nunavut is failing.
During the last session of this House, a member tabled documents indicating that the federal government was proposed to take legal action against Hamlet Councils, including threats of imprisonment, because of sewage lagoon failures. Mr. Chairman, this is only one example. Across the territory, sewage lagoons are failing, solid waste sites are reaching capacity and water supplies are breaking down.
Members applaud the minister’s effort to secure Canada Strategic Infrastructure Funding for many of the projects.
However, as environmental regulations become more stringent, additional upgrades will be required at facilities across the territory.
Committee Members urge the minister to continue raising these issues in Ottawa to work towards a solution that recognizes the fiscal situation that hamlets are in, focuses on cooperation between all levels of government and does not involve continuous threats of legal action.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, Committee members have noted a move away from existing sewage lagoon designs towards mechanical treatment of sewage, especially in the bigger centres.
While members understand the need to improve treatment facilities, concerns exist that not all hamlets tend to have the expertise.
The funding that is necessary for operation and maintenance for mechanical treatment.
Committee members are concerned that the loans being transferred from Government of Nunavut to municipalities is solid way of saying to meet current environmental regulations.
Members urge the minister to include a provision for funding reclamation for landfills in transfer agreements with municipalities.
(interpretation ends) Committee members noted that the department continues to invest in spilled response equipment.
Members have noted with alarm the confirmed reports of fuel spills in the wild are known in a number of communities during this year’s re-supply.
Committee members urge the minister to continue investigating these incidents and look forward to discussing the completion of the minister’s current review of fuel contracts in Nunavut.
Members have noted that over the past several months, the department has transferred funding between projects that knows it will not approve in 2004 and 2005 and even created new projects.
In the future, committee members would want the minister to provide information on the actual spending and total cost of each ongoing and completed capital projects for committee review.
(interpretation) Members recognize the importance of community halls for the health of communities and support projects to build and expand community halls.
Members encourage the minister to continue working with his colleagues to plan and construct multi-use facilities.
Mr. Netser (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I would like to take this opportunity to move a motion to report progress.
Chairman: There is a motion to report progress.
I would now like to report progress. (interpretation) I am sorry.
Yes, I would like to thank the minister and his officials for coming before us today.
I will rise to report progress.
Item Number 20, Report of Committee of the Whole, Mr. Arreak.
Mr. Arreak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, you committee has been considering Bill 4 and the Capital Estimates and would like to report progress.
Speaker (interpretation): Seconder to the motion, Mr. Netser.
The motion is in order, all in favour, all opposed, abstain?
Item Number 21. Item 22, Orders of the Day, Mr. Clerk.
Orders of the day for Thursday, November 25:
Speaker (interpretation): This House stands adjourned until Thursday, November 25, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. I would like the members to join me for a get together.
>>Session adjourned at 17:33  Nunavut Canada
Thursday November 25, 2004
Pages 373 – 432
Opening Prayer 373
Ministers’ Statements 373
Members’ Statements 374
Oral Questions 380
Tabled Documents 400
Notices of Motions 400
Motions 401
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 403
Report of the Committee of the Whole 431
Orders of the Day 431
Thursday November 25, 2004 373
031 – 2(2): Minister Simailak Absent from the House (Aglukkaq) 373
032 – 2(2): Government of Nunavut Energy Management Programs (Kilabuk) 373
057 – 2(2): Recognition of Two Taloyoak Pages (Aglukkaq) 374
058 – 2(2): 2nd Annual Say No to Drugs Tour (Peterson) 375
059 – 2(2): Restraining Order Against Spouses (Netser) 376
060– 2(2): Utility Rate Review Council – General Rate Application (Curley) 376
061 – 2(2): Conditions to Offenders (Barnabas) 377
062 – 2(2): Airline Services (Tootoo) 378
063 – 2(2): Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts Volunteers (Picco) 379
083 – 2(2): Policy on Fuel Resupply in Icy Waters (Alagalak) 380
084 – 2(2): Government Hiring Practices (Curley) 381
085 – 2(2): Status of the General Rate Application (Tootoo) 383
086 – 2(2): Chesterfield Inlet Request for Zamboni Parking Bay (Netser) 386
087 – 2(2): Conditional Sentences/Mental Health Assessments (Barnabas) 388
088 – 2(2): Update on Qulliq Energy Corporation's Corporate Controls (Peterson) 389
089 – 2(2): Status of Recommendations in Ikuma I and II Reports (Curley) 392
090 – 2(2): Utility Rate Review Council Receiving Monthly Updates (Tootoo) 394
091 – 2(2): Fuel and Dry Cargo (Curley) 398
028 – 2(2): Rankin Inlet Gasoline Test Results from October 2004 (Kilabuk) 400
029 – 2(2): Adjustments Applied to Commercial Accounts (Peterson) 400
030 – 2(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Annual Report 2002-2003 (Kilabuk) 400
031 – 2(2): 2003/04 Annual Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Speaker) 400
002 – 2(2) Re-Appointment of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut – Notice (Tootoo) 401  002 – 2(2): Re-appointment of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut (Tootoo) 401
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Mr. David Alagalak, Mr. James Arreak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Honourable Levinia Brown, Mr. Tagak Curley, Mr. Joe Allan Evyagotailak, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Mr. Patterk Netser, Honourable Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Paul Okalik, Mr. Keith Peterson, Honourable Edward Picco, Honourable Louis Tapardjuk, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Premier and the ministers and the members.
I would like to ask Mr. Curley to say the opening prayer.
Item. 2.
Minister’s Statement 031 – 2(2): Minister Simailak Absent from the House
I wish to advise members that the Hon. David Simailak will be absent from the House on November 25 and 26 to attend federal provincial and territorial meetings in Ottawa.
Minister’s Statement 032 – 2(2): Government of Nunavut Energy Management Programs
I rise in the House today to announce the Government of Nunavut’s Energy Management Program.
This important initiative supports our commitment to improving energy efficiency in Nunavut.
Implementing energy saving measures throughout the government will save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create local employment.
Mr. Speaker, we all know that increasing oil prices on world markets is driving energy prices to go up.
We also know that global climate change, caused by human activity, is having social, cultural, and economic impacts, especially here in the Arctic.
Through our Energy Management Program we will be assisting Canada in meeting its Kyoto greenhouse gas reduction commitment.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the threat to the traditional lifestyle of Inuit and reduce our energy costs here in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this is a three part program: Save Ten, an employee education program, will teach government employees how to save energy.
Save Ten is expected to reduce government energy consumption by, as the name indicates, as much at 10 percent.
The retrofit program, the Nunavut Energy Management Program, is being modeled on the federal government’s Federal Buildings Initiative.
It will be introduced as a pilot project in Iqaluit where local qualified firms will be contracted by the Department of Community and Government Services to upgrade existing government facilities.
The retrofit program will generate energy savings of over 20 percent and will create local employment,
The addition of an energy efficiency section to Nunavut’s Good Building Practices Guideline is the third part of our energy management program.
Used during the design of new facilities, the guideline will ensure that new facilities are built with attention to energy management.
We are seeking financial support for our energy management program from the federal government’s Energy Innovations Initiative.
All other program costs will be recovered through energy savings, federal grants, and reduced operating costs.
Mr. Speaker, lastly, the Joamie School project has been a good starting point for our energy management program.
The new school has an energy efficient design and was built according to the latest green building standards found under the international environmental initiative, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
This energy efficient design will result in lower operating costs over the life cycle of the school.
These energy management principles will be applied in all future government activities.
Member's Statement 057 – 2(2): Recognition of Two Taloyoak Pages
I am pleased that I have the opportunity to acknowledge some special individuals that have come all the way from Taloyoak and Ottawa and pay a visit.
Two of these individuals are working as pages this week in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw your attention to Nellie Anne Uquqtuq and Lindsay Anaijak, seated behind.
These young ladies have traveled from Taloyoak to Iqaluit in order to participate in our session and to share those experiences with their fellow students when they go back to Taloyoak.
I feel it is very important to point out that one of the reasons why they are here is because they are also hardworking students and were highly recommended by the education authorities in Taloyoak.
Mr. Speaker, hard work and perseverance deserves recognition.
I would like to congratulate and encourage them to continue their quest for knowledge.
As well, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize another important individual in the gallery: Mr. Johnny Kootook, my constituency assistant from Taloyoak, seated behind me.
Johnny Kootook has been kind enough to travel with the pages in order to ensure that they had a safe journey here.
Also, I would like to recognize a constituent of mine, as well as my good friend: Sandra Lyall, who arrived here this morning from Ottawa, seated next to Johnny.
She is attending the Nunavut Sivuniksavut program in Ottawa for the next couple of years.
Seated next to her is Daniel.
Member's Statement 058 – 2(2): 2nd Annual Say No to Drugs Tour
I rise today to recognize the second annual Kitikmeot Stay in School-Say No to Drugs Tour.
On an almost daily basis we hear that alcohol and drugs are causing serious problems in our communities.
The RCMP tell us that almost 100 percent of the incidents that they investigate are alcohol or drug related.
One of the saddest by-products of alcohol abuse is when children are apprehended by social workers to protect them.
Many Kitikmeot individuals, groups, and organizations are working hard to help people overcome their addictions and lead healthy lifestyles.
Others, Mr. Speaker, are educating our youth about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
One such organization is the Kitikmeot Corporation.
The president of Kitikmeot Corporation, Charlie Lyall, started the annual Stay in School-Say No to Drugs Tour to visit every Kitikmeot high school to talk to kids about alcohol and drugs.
The tour isn’t just a group of people who travel around and lecture to the kids.
In fact, the tour is a fun event for the entire community.
The tour group talks to and entertains students in the afternoons and then gives a public concert in the evenings.
Well-known northern musicians and singers George Tuccaro, John Tees, and Bobbi Bovier participate because they believe in this worthy cause.
They were accompanied by Christy Brewster who grew up in the Kitikmeot and is a youth role model.
The Speaker of Experience was Bill Davidson from Larga Home in Edmonton; he is well known to many Kitikmeot residents who have stayed in the Larga boarding home that he operates.
Through their music and anecdotes, they speak to the kids and entire community about their experiences with alcohol.
Every worthy cause has many people to thank for helping them: the RCMP detachments helped move the equipment within the communities; the Department of Health and Social Services provided some financial help; others in the communities contributed where they could.
The students and the communities want to see more initiatives like this.
One person in Taloyoak told Charlie Lyall that he was thinking about quitting drinking because of the tour.
If even one person is thinking like that, then the tour was a success.
I would like to salute the organizers, entertainers, and speakers who gave up their time for the people in the Kitikmeot.
Member's Statement 059 – 2(2): Restraining Order Against Spouses
I rise today to talk about a concern raised by elders.
Sometimes when couples get together for the first time they have problems, and when they have problems the RCMP is usually called in.
When there are domestic problems, and when the RCMP apprehends the spouse, he is given a peace bond and they are not allowed to talk to each other; they also give a restraining order to the spouse.
So, I urge the Minister of Health and Social Services and the Minister of Justice to improve the safehouse shelters.
Member's Statement 060– 2(2): Utility Rate Review Council – General Rate Application
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I rise today to express my frustration regarding the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s General Rate Application, or to put it in a way the minister prefers, the QEC’s GRA that is being reviewed by the URRC.
(interpretation ends) The General Rate Application is confusing enough with the issue of energy being disrupted by the constant usage of high-voltage acronyms.
To make it more confusing, reference is made to millions of kilowatt hours at a cost of pennies each.; well, depending on the community you’re looking at.
So, I decided to try to determine exactly how much money was collected by the Power Corporation, Nunavut Power Corporation or Qulliq Energy Corporation or whoever, using the information in the General Rate Application.
The figure I came up with for Rankin Inlet is 12,182,831 kilowatt hours; I found that in table 10.1.3 in appendix M, multiplied by 31.89 cents per kilowatt hour.
That is the average community rate for Rankin Inlet found in the table 11.4.1 of appendix N. So, from what I can tell, the NPC-QEC could have collected as much as $3.9 million from Rankin Inlet for 2003 and 2004.
Like I said, Mr. Speaker, from what I can tell, they could have collected that much.
Of course, that doesn’t take into account any accounts that are outstanding so it probably isn’t an accurate figure.
I am frustrated that Qulliq Energy Corporation’s revenue is not broken down by community in the GRA; the mathematical equations using the information provided only give me an approximate value.
Mr. Speaker, I can tell you there was some residual hot air created from the frustration caused in trying to find this information.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members' statements, Mr. Barnabas.
Member's Statement 061 – 2(2): Conditions to Offenders
I rise today to express concerns from my constituency in Resolute Bay with respect to conditions that are placed on offenders by judges.
These conditions are placed on inmates that are being released or on offenders that are on conditional sentences instead of being incarcerated.
Mr. Speaker, there are a variety of conditions that a judge can place, such as enforcing a restraining order on offenders from seeking or contacting their families or victims, to refrain from drinking or drugs, to not possess firearms, keep the peace, and take mandatory counseling and community services.
These are just some of the examples.
Mr. Speaker, these conditions are all intended for the safety of the people and the community; however, there are some necessary services that cannot be provided at the smaller community level because of the shortage of mental health workers.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I’ll be asking some questions on this issue.
Members' s statements, Mr. Tootoo.
Member's Statement 062 – 2(2): Airline Services
I’m pleased to rise today on the state of the airline service in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, throughout this week all members of this House have had the opportunity to meet informally with the management teams of both our major carriers.
I know many members took the opportunity to raise issues of concern with them in relation to air service to our communities.
Mr. Speaker, it’s good to see that our major carriers are competing vigorously with each other, as competition serves the consumer well.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, one of the major carriers is partly owned by the Inuit of Nunavut, through Nunasi Corporation.
I know that we all support a high profile corporate presence in this territory for Canadian North.
Mr. Speaker, both our major carriers are longtime supporters of important charities that benefit the North.
Each year, for example, tens of thousands of dollars are raised around Christmas by First Air through its annual presidents’ charity ball and, I’m sure that members that are in town will probably be attending the ball coming up in the next week or so.
Air travel is our lifeline.
While the airlines are in the business to do business, we must look at ways to maximize benefits to our residents and encourage economic growth through increased tourism in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, in a recent interview, the Governor General of Canada and her spouse were interviewed at length about their experiences in the North. I was pleased to see them encourage Canadians to come north and explore what we have to offer.
However, the fact is that it can be much more expensive for someone to fly from Toronto to Pangnirtung than it is for them to go to Europe.
We need to look at ways of working with the airlines to foster economic growth by reducing this high barrier.
A healthy transportation sector is good for Nunavut, and I look forward to more years of good corporate citizenship on the part of our major carriers.
I would like to ask all members to join me in thanking both our carriers for an opportunity to meet with them this last week and hear our concerns.
Member's Statement 063 – 2(2): Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts Volunteers
Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the induction and the initiation of Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts in Iqaluit.
With many parents in attendance, the young Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts were resplendent in their uniforms and received their new wobbles and ties.
Organizations like Cubs, Scouts, and Beavers rely on dedicated volunteers for organizing them.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shawna Barkley and her team of volunteer Beaver, Cubs, and Scout leaders for donating their time to this very worthwhile cause for our children.
Also, would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers here in Iqaluit and across Nunavut who put in many hours on behalf and for communities, children, and Nunavummiut.
Item 4. Item 5.
It gives me a great pleasure today to recognize someone in the gallery that I have not recognized in nine years as a member of the Legislative Assembly.
With me, over the last day, is my daughter Dora. She is on the job-shadow program of Inuksuk High School.
Dora is in grade 9, and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome my panik to the Legislative Assembly.
I would like to recognize an individual who is now the mayor of Repulse Bay: Simeonie Kopak, who is sitting over there in the gallery, and also one of the councilors, Bill Kopak.
Hon. Leona Aglukkaq: Again, I would like to recognize constituents of mine: Wendy and Johnny Kootook, Sandra, and Daniel that are in the gallery today.
I would like to take this early opportunity to recognize someone in the gallery that they are acknowledging a little later on today in the orders of the day, but that’s Ms. Elaine Keenan-Bengst; she’s our information and privacy commissioner for Nunavut.
Question 083 – 2(2): Policy on Fuel Resupply in Icy Waters
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, I was interested to note that there have been fuel tankers in Frobisher Bay this week.
Can the minister tell me his department’s practice with respect to the resupply of fuel in conditions where there is ice in the water.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Department of Community and Government Services, Hon. Peter Kilabuk.
I apologize, I didn’t get the last part of the question; could my colleague repeat his question, please.
My question is, could the Minister of Community and Government Services tell us what the procedures are when there is going to be a re-supplying of fuel when there are ice conditions.
The Petroleum Products Division, under our department, is involved when the ships come into the communities.
I recognize the members’ concern, especially at this time of the year when they are re-supplying fuel.
The tanker employees are the ones that are making sure that everything is working properly and that the lines and everything else are in order; that’s done by the people from the tankers.
Mr. Alagalak (interpretation): I’m well aware that there are people involved there to make sure that everything’s in order.
My question is, what kind of safety equipment do you have just in case there’s a breakage in the couplings or if there’s fuel spilled?
Do you have any emergency response teams on standby when the tankers are here?
I understand that if there’s a spill, the tankers have sponges that would soak up any fuel that is spilled.
For example, we did that when there was a spill in Coral Harbour.
We do have an emergency response available; that is done by the crew.
My last question is: why are there tankers coming to the Nunavut communities in November when the ice is forming and there’s a possibility of an accident?
It seems that they are coming in later, at this time of the year, because there’s an increase in the demand.
I haven’t heard of any incidents or concerns to date.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker...
Question 084 – 2(2): Government Hiring Practices
My question is to the Minister of Human Resources about job competitions.
The Nunavut Government posts these competitions to obtain qualified employees in numbers representative of Nunavut’s population.