EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
With regard to healing, what I can answer with this particular question is the year before, the federal government allocated funding for healthy living and they worked with the regional Inuit associations to deliver that program.
With respect to actual healing practices, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation funding was cut by the federal government.
Once the funding was cut, a lot of the funding that was allocated for abused people and residential students… there is still a bit of funding left over, but mainly the funding was cut off.
I’m not sure how the Kitikmeot has operated that particular healing program. I know that in the Kivalliq, they use the airlines and they offered healing programs.
They also have a men’s group where they meet a couple of times a week. We’ve had to deal with these on our own.
As a department, we will be announcing several programs, such as the Suicide Prevention Strategy. I will probably be announcing that on Monday.
With respect to the program we are offering, we will be fixing up that program. We have been meeting with Nunavut Tunngavik and their officials.
With regard to that question, that’s all I can answer. In regard to the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, we haven’t added any funding to that program. That’s all I can respond to.
I wish to ask my secondary question which is in regard to an issue I have noted previously.
I have been a social worker in Taloyoak for a fairly long time and some of my clients with whom I have worked with have had to go to court. Prior to my election to this legislature, I dealt with many issues that my colleagues have identified as an issue.
It has affected their work since they are quite unhappy with the Nunavut Court system, specifically the prosecutors, who occasionally list conditions for the accused. Some of these conditions include a requirement to undergo healing sessions or alternatively, an anger management course for the accused. When these people are given these conditions, it creates hardship for the social workers.
The conditions are listed in the probation order which has to be signed by the person who has to undertake these healing or anger management sessions imposed by the prosecutor.
In our community, in Taloyoak, we do not have any people who are able to provide these services within the community.
We have no courses nor do we have a counsellor to provide these services, whether it be healing or anger management. We have no resources available in the community proper. This issue requires that the minister outline the resources, such as the counsellor who can provide healing or anger management sessions.
Therefore, my question to the minister is: how can we best resolve these issues whereby people have to comply with these conditions in our communities where we do not have the capability? These are important conditions that these people have to follow and comply with since they are part of their probation conditions.
Can the minister provide some information on how we can best collaborate on these types of issues where conditions are imposed on people in the communities that have no resources to comply with them?
With regard to the member’s question, it is very challenging. It is something that we have to procure here in Nunavut.
I recall when Mr. Okalik was the Premier that we worked hard to try to get treatment centres here in our territory. This was a priority in the First Assembly as well as the Second Assembly.
However, the funding wasn’t allocated and these treatment centres never materialized.
I cannot handle questions directed to the Minister of Justice, but I know that the courts have often asked people to undertake such services as counselling.
For that reason, I’ll try to add this response with regard to the Child and Family Services Act. We will try to provide a counsellor to provide assistance to people in disadvantaged homes.
So in this upcoming year, once the report is completed, which we are assuming will be completed at year-end, I will be discussing this matter with my colleagues as to how much we will allocate towards these treatment centres.
My guess is that down the road, this will become clearer. A lot of the concerns we have from the communities will be resolved down the road.
I would like to ask the second supplementary.
I recently wrote a letter to the Minister of Health and Social Services regarding a proposal to deliver mobile treatment programs in the two communities in my constituency, Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak.
Has the minister had the opportunity to consider my letter and, if so, what kind of future can we expect?
Yes, I will look into that correspondence the member alluded to, but what I can respond with now is that we will speak with the mental health counsellors. I believe that they can offer some healing programs.
I believe that there is a worker in Cambridge Bay. I’ll speak to my colleague, the Minister of Justice, with regard to people who have been incarcerated and have been offered healing programs.
What I can say is that I will further encourage the director of mental health in Cambridge Bay to work with the people in the communities.
I’m not sure exactly how it will be resolved, but I’ll speak with my deputy minister to see how long it would take to get a counsellor to visit your communities.
So after I look into the timeline, I will be able to provide a more concrete response.
We understand that there is a need for culturally appropriate programs to be delivered in our home communities and it has been well recognized even in the south.
Approximately one year ago, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Mary Simon, called upon the federal government to provide funding for mental wellness programs across the Arctic.
Has the Minister of Health and Social Services held any discussions with his federal counterpart on the issue of providing mental health and addictions treatment programs in Nunavut and, if not, will he commit to doing so in the near future?
I can speak with the member about this issue; I will contact you later.
Perhaps even during our session, I will look into that matter and I will determine which communities require the most immediate assistance.
There are quite a few assistance programs available, especially federal programs, which are usually handled by the regional Inuit associations.
The funding we get is generally geared towards aboriginal populations. It’s never enough, so we add some funding towards community wellness programs. So we try to use those agencies to request more funding proposals, such as workshops and counselling programs.
So I can look into that matter and perhaps work with the member and determine which communities require the most immediate assistance. I also ensure that I will follow up with you in the correspondence and work with you before the completion of our session to resolve this.
Question 454 – 3(2): Trigger Locks for Nunavummiut (Schell)
My question is for the Hon. Member of Justice, the Hon. Keith Peterson.
Has the minister considered supplying trigger locks for Cape Dorset, Kimmirut, and the rest of Nunavut?
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Shell.
Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member that I’ve had discussions with Chief Superintendent McVarnock about firearms safety and one of the issues that we discussed was the issue of trigger locks.
My next question is: will the justice department and RCMP cooperate regarding the teaching of firearms safety courses for all of Nunavut?
I thank Mr. Schell for again asking that very important question.
Mr. Speaker, I believe firearms safety training is a federal responsibility, but I’ve had conversations with my colleague from the Department of Environment about their ability to provide that kind of training in Nunavut.
I have also talked about firearms safety, again, with the RCMP.
It is a high-profile issue and we’re endeavouring to do our best to find a solution to providing training.
Will the minister, along with the RCMP, consider adopting a safety check for all homes in regard to trigger locks installed on all firearms?
The fire department does a similar check on homes regarding fire safety on a yearly basis.
I wish to commend the RCMP that was in Cape Dorset this week. I believe they are doing a door to door, house to house inspection of that nature. It’s a very positive development.
The community, I believe, welcomed it. Again it’s something that I can’t commit the RCMP to do anything, but it’s something that I can talk to with the RCMP.
Of course, people don’t have to comply. If they voluntarily wish to allow people to come into their houses to do inspections, it’s one thing, but you can’t just march up to the door and say, “We’re coming in.”
We have to consider those things.
So that is something we will continue to discuss and perhaps we will discuss it with the mayors of different communities as well.
Tabled Document 206 – 3(2): 2009 Annual Report – Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (Tootoo)
It gives me great pleasure today to be able table the 2009 Annual Report of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission.
Tabled Document 207 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Contracting Report for the Year Ended March 31, 2009 (Curley)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s contracting report for the year ended March 31, 2009.
Tabled Document 208 – 3(2): 2009-2010 Annual Report for Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium (Shewchuk)
I am pleased to table the 2009-2010 Annual Report for the Nunavut Fisheries Training Consortium.
Tabled Document 209 – 3(2): Statement of Expenditures for Nunavut Housing Trust as of April 1, 2006 to February 28, 2010 (Peterson)
I am tabling the Statement of Expenditures for the Nunavut Housing Trust as of April 1, 2006 to February 28, 2010. This is the Deloitte and Touche audit. It is an unqualified audit opinion.
Tabled Document 210 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation Review of Nunavut Housing Trust (Peterson)
I am tabling the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Review of the Nunavut Housing Trust.
This is the second part of the Deloitte and Touche assignment. It is a report. I note with admiration that my colleagues on the other side of the House have already read this report in great detail and I am pleased to table it today.
Bill 44 – An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act – Notice
Bill 45 – An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act (Minimum Wage) – Notice
Bill 46 – An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act – Notice
I have three notices of motions for first reading of bills. If you permit, I’ll read all three while I am standing.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, October 25, that Bill 44, An Act to Amend Income Tax Act, be read for the first time.
The second notice, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, October 25, 2010, that Bill 45, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act (Minimum Wage), be read for the first time.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Monday, October 25, that Bill 46, An Act to Amend the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief Act, be read for the first time.
Bill 39 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2009-2010 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, that Bill 39, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2009-2010, be read for the first time.
Bill 40 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, that Bill 40, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011, be read for the first time.
Bill 41 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, that Bill 41, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011, be read for the first time.
Bill 39 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2009-2010 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, that Bill 39, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2009-2010, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations for the Government of Nunavut to defray the operations and maintenance expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.
The motion has passed and Bill 39 has been referred to Committee of the Whole.
Bill 40 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, that Bill 40, Supplementary Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations for the Government of Nunavut to defray the operations and maintenance expenses for the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.
The motion has passed and Bill 40 has been referred to Committee of the Whole.
Bill 41 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove, that Bill 41, Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. 3, 2010-2011, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill makes supplementary appropriations for the Government of Nunavut and reduces certain appropriations to defray the capital expenses of the Government of Nunavut for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.
The motion has passed and Bill 41 has been referred to Committee of the Whole.
Thank you. Item 19.
Bills 38, 39, 40, and 41 with Mr. Schell in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 15:13 and Committee resumed at 15:42
In the Committee of the Whole, we have the following to deal with: Bills 38, 39, 40, and Bill 41.
Mr. Rumbolt: Sorry, there was no trans-… I’m getting all translations except English on the intercom here and I have no idea what you just said.
Chairman: We will start that all over. In the Committee of the Whole, we have the following to deal with: Bills 38, 39, 40, and 41. What is the wish of the committee?
We would like to continue with Bill 38 and the Nunavut Housing Corporation, followed by the Department of Education. If time permits, we will then proceed to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Chairman: Do members agree that we continue with the capital estimates for the Nunavut Housing Corporation?
Chairman: Does the committee agree that Minister Curley’s staff go to the witness table?
Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the staff to the witness table.
For the Hansard record, please introduce your staff, Mr. Curley.
On my right is the President of the Housing Corporation, Alain Barriault, and to my left is Lori Kimball, our Finance Comptroller for the Housing Corporation. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
We were still on the opening comments there. I have one comment to bring out and then I won’t be asking any more questions in regard to yesterday. It’s in regard to ask the President of the Housing Corporation.
Yesterday, I mentioned to the minister in regard to apparently there was two sent to Arviat, a SIP unit and a stick built unit, that were supposed to have been constructed. They were going to time as to what the difference in the construction time was.
Were these ever completed?
You can go ahead, Mr. Barriault.
No, these units have not been built yet. They are in the process of being tendered at this time.
I have no more questions on the opening comments.
It’s not really a question but an observation that I want noted.
With respect to homeownership units, there were quite a few projects that were supposed to be completed and if Nunavummiut will want to own their own house, it’s very beneficial to see that being offered.
However, in the smaller communities, it seems that the homeownership programs have pretty much sled on to the wayside. As people find out more about the issues, it might have stopped a lot of people from applying for homeownership. The problem is that when they want to sell their home, there’s not much of a market in the smaller communities and their units remain unsold.
In the larger communities, their units are sold quite rapidly.
My question to the minister is whether this has been observed and whether he will be looking at possible solutions for the situation.
It is quite obvious that we need to focus on these types of issues, such as mortgages. Mortgages in the smaller communities are often harder to get approved.
I will work with my officials and perhaps we can schedule a tour with the various banks here in Iqaluit.
There are a number of banks now and they compete with one another for these products. Mortgages are just another product for sale. People in the smaller communities often expect to be handed money when, in fact, mortgages are for sale.
For that reason, I think we have to educate the general public about mortgages and how you can negotiate between the different banking institutions.
If there aren’t any training courses available, perhaps we should put together a manual or even have tours going to the smaller communities on this subject.
That would be my approach and perspective in trying to create something of that nature.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation has dealt with homeownership for quite a while, so I will look into their archives.
I know for a fact that most of the correspondence is with respect to down payment and I am sure there’s assistance offered, but as I stated earlier, sometimes it’s much easier to conduct a tour to relay that message.
I would like the president of the Nunavut Housing Corporation to explain as to how they have dealt with this issue in the past so that you can understand it.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is aware of the issue of resale and markets in smaller communities.
That’s something that we are looking at within our housing programs, but it is a reality in most communities that there is not a big retail market for private homeownership. It is something that we don’t have an immediate solution for. We also recognize that in many communities, what the market will bear in terms of the price for a house is often times less than the cost of constructing a new house.
There are some challenges there and that is something we are working towards addressing.
I am happy that this particular situation has been noted. I want to see the minister’s comments implemented since it would assist those people who would want to own their own homes.
Some of the people are left in the dark, so they do not always know what they are getting into and this has caused issues in the past.
Not all people experience that.
I believe it was in the spring when I made a Member’s Statement about this issue.
I wanted it noted that in the smaller communities, you require a mortgage in order to construct a personal home.
However, one note of interest is that construction costs are increasing. It is already causing a hardship to people in the smaller communities.
The banks don’t like to deal with units that may or may not be sold. Sometimes they don’t seem to want mortgages from the smaller communities because they know that in the larger centres, more units will be sold and that forms part of the problem.
I just wanted the challenges we are facing in Nunavut understood, Mr. Chairman.
I think that was just a comment, but, Minister Curley, if you want to make a statement, go ahead.
Johnny Ningeongan’s comments are understandable in that context.
I know we have to work harder to try and offer these services. I will talk with my officials as to how we can make more progress in that sector. I will also try to speak with the banks with respect to Nunavut.
The banks seem to be focussed more towards long-term employees who can pay their bills.
With respect to these housing construction projects, perhaps the small contractors in the communities could complete these units without incurring more expense since shipping labourers into communities increase these expenses.
We will have to review the programs we offer to these contractors, especially when the larger construction projects are easier to contract out.
I will definitely speak about this issue with my officials. Thank you. That’s a very good question.
I want to raise this question on the second page of the ministers’ opening comments.
He mentions the 285 units under the Affordable Housing Initiative in Nunavut.
We have been informed and note that in some of the communities, the units are getting the flooring done.
They are also working on side panelling and the roofing.
A recent event occurred in our community whereby two out of the three units did not have the roofing or panelling completed, although all three units were standing.
A vicious storm occurred that tore many panels from these units, which were blown away. Some of these panels were damaged when they landed on the land.
I would like to find out if you have heard about this incident and whether this project will go ahead even though some materials have been lost or destroyed.
I wonder if there will be an update on what is happening with those two housing units.
That is the first I have heard about this incident. I will speak with the president and clarify it while we are in session.
We will try to provide more information once we have checked into this matter.
We did note that there was a strong storm both in Pangnirtung and Iqaluit.
I believe you stated that there were perhaps two multiplexes that lost the panelling. Am I correct?
I guess this is a little bit off the topic of the opening comments, but you can continue, Mr. Komoartok.
That’s what I heard from a person boarding at my place and he relayed the story about the damages.
I did not determine whether the units themselves were destroyed, but it was the side panelling that was blown off and damaged.
Obviously our community really needs these units because we have a housing shortage.
I was home prior to my trip down for the session and I spoke to the construction workers.
I am very happy that the minister keeps us informed and he has stated that if construction companies in the communities can construct these units, it would be cheaper.
I totally concur with that. In the old days, when houses were first constructed, no one was shipped in to assist. The community would construct these units with the local labour pool and the expenses did not go so high.
I want to see this approach continued. This would allow the income to be retained in the community.
It can provide more benefits if the local companies get the contracts.
However, some of my constituents who are working on these projects also stated that most workers brought into the community are brand new.
In some ways, they were not as capable as the people from Pangnirtung.
Leopa Akpalialuk even noted that he has been involved since 1979 in constructing units and he can do all of the work, but he is just being treated as a labourer and here he has been in construction for years.
The labourers assumed they would be involved more.
These people are very knowledgeable, but they get treated like less skilled labourers.
When these imported workers come in, they take advantage of some of the local people.
So I will ask the minister to commit to getting more construction contracts out to the local companies. We now have a local certified company that can bid for a contract, although we may still need to import certified foremen or managers.
For example, they could subcontract the side panelling.
I am not sure how they pronounce it in Inuktitut, the side panels.
They had to import people to do the side panelling and yet, in Pangnirtung, we have many Inuit capable of doing that. They incur extra costs because they have to pay for the airfare and the hotel.
What we cannot understand is that they incur all of these extra costs.
Are they still importing workers when they could hire local labourers? I want to voice that we have to utilize our local labourers.
That is all, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: I would just like to remind everybody that we’re dealing with general comments on the 2011-12 capital estimates.
This is kind of getting off the topic a little bit, but I’ll give Tagak Curley a chance to respond to that, and then I’ll move on to Mr. Okalik.