EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
The majority at that time, we had to deal with health issues really, as members may recall, in all seriousness, I mean it is based on needs that are brought forward, and debated in this House and approved.
I can’t speak about the past ones, but certainly ones that are currently before us, you know some other Supplementary Appropriations that we will be dealing with is 5 million dollars that’s coming.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since I can’t ask questions for the things we have not approved yet, thank you anyway for responding.
But I can only ask the questions on what we are dealing with, so therefore I would like to ask another question.
The Department of Health and Social Services have gone over their budget and we already know that.
I was wondering if the contractors have gone over their budget in the Supplementary Appropriations.
Mr. Speaker, as you know there are instances where the department, the contract department, Public Works and Services or the Housing Corporation if their tenders have been over budget they try and realign internally first of all, through the appropriate department depending on which capital budget it comes out of.
For example for the education budget, if schools came in over and they didn’t have the resources from other ones that might have come under their budget or the flexibility they wanted to move money around to deal with it, then a Supplementary Appropriation would be requested through the Financial Management Board. If approved it would come back here to the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since the contract for transportation of fuel has changed the contractors will save us 19 million dollars.
There’s no figure to refer to because we don’t have that information from the past contractors and we were to save 19 million dollars by changing the contractors for fuel for transportation of fuel.
I was wondering if the Minister for Finance could clarify tell me how and what kinds of reference you used, when you were saving 19 million dollars.
Could the Minister make a report on that?
Speaker: Mr. Iqaqrialu, that appears to be a totally different question.
Rather than lose yours by asking, I’d rather you try to clarify your question.
Stick more to your original issue.
Mr. Speaker, I want you to know that I start my question with a preamble and work my way up to the current question because as Nunavummiut have to understand and we need to know.
I’m asking questions in regards to the 19 million dollars.
Can he make a report like the briefing notes that you have.
I was wondering if you can make a report like that when you’re on the Supplementary Appropriation Act, if you can include that in the Supplementary Appropriation Act like the detailed information in regards to the 19 million dollars that’s being saved.
Mr. Speaker, the member does raise a good question but the shipping and supply of fuel products is paid for out of the petroleum products revolving fund which is an account that’s set up and authorises the petroleum products division to act in respect of supplying, selling, and purchasing fuel products throughout Nunavut.
Although we do have provisions authorized on the auditor’s statement, they are audited along with all the other entities that the government has and our subsidiary crown corporations etc.
So that is reported back in the consolidated financial statements.
That’s why it’s not part of a regular supplementary appropriation request, unless there is an issue around raising the ceiling, the limits on the petroleum products revolving fund which has happened in the past.
Mr. Speaker, perhaps since you don’t make detailed information available in regards to that, perhaps the auditors don’t come up with detailed information.
If they don’t, if the information does not come in the audited statement, is that information disclosed any other way?
Mr. Speaker, I didn’t say that the information wasn’t going to be disclosed.
I said it comes in the form of a consolidated financial statement of the Government of Nunavut because that is a fund that was established and reported on within our overall financials, the overall context of government spending.
That’s where I said that it, I’ll try to clarify it; I said that it wouldn’t necessarily be reported in a supplementary appropriation request that would come before the House.
We have one member left who hasn’t asked a question yet, or displayed his hand and that is Mr. Alakannuaq.
Question 307 – 1(6): Cost of Living Increase
I have asked this question numerous times.
The cost of living is increasing every year, the daily food we purchase like goods and groceries.
Have you done a study on how we can lower the price of groceries that we need to purchase every day?
No, we haven’t.
When are you going to start reviewing the price of groceries, how we can transport them to Nunavut at a cheaper rate?
Mr. Speaker, I don’t think there are any plans to implement this study.
I think some of the initiatives that were undertaken such as the fuel resupply in trying to reduce costs overall to the Government in respect to the dry goods, as you know that question has been raised on numerous occasions here over the past week for dry goods. We expect that with the competitive process the pricing should be competitive and should be lower.
Committee Report 001 – 1(6): Progress Update on the Review of the Official Languages Act
I’m very pleased to have this opportunity to update the Members of the House as well as the public and the media of the recent progress made by the Special Committee to review the Official Languages Act.
This fall, the committee initiated the second phase of the review process; consulting with the communities and meeting with as many different dialect groups as possible.
To prepare for these meetings a flyer was produced in English, Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, and French, describing the role of the committee and listing a number of issues for the public to consider.
The flyer was mailed to every box in every Nunavut community in advance of the committee’s visit.
Materials were also forwarded to the hamlet offices and Culture, Language, Elders and Youth groups in the communities to be visited.
Poster and radio announcements to let people know about the upcoming meetings were prepared as well.
To date, the committee has visited the communities of Arctic Bay, Taloyoak, Chesterfield Inlet, Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, and Pangnirtung.
Due to bad weather, meetings in Sanikiluaq, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Iqaluit have been rescheduled.
Almost 150 Nunavummiut have attended the public meetings held to date.
The committee members are very pleased with the range of thoughts expressed.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in March of this year the special committee tabled an interim report which describes a number of the committee’s activities and findings given the first phase of this review process.
The report culminated in a series of recommendations one of which recommended that the Government of Nunavut immediately begin drafting a government-wide language policy for consideration.
Last week the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth made a statement in which he expressed the need to convince the Federal Government of the validity of Nunavut’s position in requesting additional funding to support the Inuktitut language in government services.
The committee applauded this strong stance.
Mr. Speaker, how better to reinforce that position than to begin working on a government wide language policy?
The committee is sorely disappointed that nothing has come forward in response to its recommendations.
Mr. Speaker, the committee would note that it continues to welcome submissions on the Official Languages Act and encourages those who have not yet done so to forward their comments to the committee.
(interpretation) The committee will be considering and deliberating on the feedback received over the next few months.
Mr. Speaker, members look forward to presenting the final report on the review of the Official Languages Act in the New Year.
Tabled Document 063 – 1(6): Aajiiqatigiinnut Language of Instruction Research
I would like to table a document entitled, “Aajiiqatigiinnut Language of Instruction Research.”
It’s a review report of curriculum.
It’s called Aajiiqatigiinnut.
Tabled Document 064 – 1(6): Socio-Economic Situation Facing Arctic Bay
Ms. Williams: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I would like to table a document, some correspondence and mail from Arctic Bay sent to the Department of Sustainable Development in regards to the problems they are facing with economic opportunities for Arctic Bay.
As the Minister responsible for Sustainable Development, we would like him to review this document.
Tabled Document 065 – 1(6): Response to Tabled Committee Report 013 – 1(5) Progress Report on Nunavut Income Support Policy Review
Mr. Speaker, I would like to table documents - my responses to the Committee Report 013-1(5) in regards to the development that has been made on income support.
Speaker: Is there any further tabling of documents?
Tabled Document 066 – 1(6): 2001-02 Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut
I wish to table document 2001-2002, Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nunavut.
As determined by the terms of reference for the standing committees of the legislative assembly the report is referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Services for review.
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Related Statutes – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Member for Rankin Inlet South/Whale Cove, that Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Related Statutes be read for the first time.
Motion is carried and Bill 20 has had first reading.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hudson Bay, that Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Related Statutes.
Yes, I would like unanimous consent to read this act for the second time.
Speaker: The minister’s asking for unanimous consent.
Then please, you may proceed.
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Related Statutes – Second Reading
Thanks for colleagues.
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Hudson Bay, that Bill 20, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Related Statutes be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is to ensure that other acts in Nunavut are consistent with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, to properly protect private information, to ensure that investigations can proceed with appropriate processes.
A review of all territorial statutes has been carried out for the purpose of identifying the potential conflicts between this particular act and other territorial acts.
Four potential conflicts were identified between this act and other territorial acts. We asked that these specific provisions be reviewed to determine whether or not amendments were required to provide for which act would prevail.
I look forward to discussing this further with my colleagues.
Speaker: Thank you. Premier.
To the principal of the bill.
Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed.
Bill 20 has had second reading and accordingly the bill stands referred to a committee.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters; Bill 13, Bill 17, Bill 18, Bill 19, Ministers’ Statements 072-1(6) and 095-1 (6), with Mr. Irqittuq in the Chair.
Before we proceed with committee of the whole, we’ll take a short 20 minute break.
>>House recessed at 15:51 p.m. and resumed at 16:21 p.m.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you for returning to the chambers.
We can proceed with our meetings.
We would like to continue with the review of Bill 18, starting with the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and if time permits, with the Department of Community Development and Transportation.
Chairperson (interpretation): I was supposed to say Bill 13, 17, 18, 19, and Ministers’ Statements 072-1(6) and 095 – 1(6).
Is the Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth ready?
Hon. Jack Anawak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee of the whole.
It is my pleasure to highlight for you the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth’s plan for its 2003-2004 capital budget.
As you know, the department’s capital budget is one of the government’s smallest capital budgets.
Despite this, we believe that we can still make a valuable contribution to heritage, elder and youth activities in Nunavut.
In an effort to properly plan our investment in elder and youth facilities, the department commissioned a feasibility study to determine the condition of elder and youth facilities across Nunavut.
As you will recall, this study was tabled with the Legislative Assembly and is available to all Members.
The study will help us determine where the need is the greatest and help us effectively manage our limited capital budget.
As a standing committee requested, our efforts will focus on providing effective support to the elders and youth of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s capital budget of just over $1 million dollars will be spent in four major areas.
The first three involve:
Contributions to fund repairs, renovations and minor capital work to Heritage and Cultural Centres in Nunavut in the amount of $263 thousand.
Contributions to fund repairs, renovations and minor capital work to Youth Centres in Nunavut in the amount of $261 thousand.
Contributions to fund repairs, renovations, and minor capital work to Elders Centres in Nunavut in the amount of $261 thousand dollars.
Although this $1 million dollars is available to us, it will not allow us to actually build brand new facilities, but it does allow us to assist community based organizations and individuals in the upgrading and repair of existing facilities.
We see our involvement as one of the protection and improvement of existing heritage, elder and youth centres in partnership with Nunavut’s communities and other non-profit organizations.
Examples of this include funding we provided this year to help restore Kugaaruk’s Stone Church, which will eventually become a cultural centre, and to the renovation of the Nunatta Sunakutingit Museum in Iqaluit.
In the area of elder and youth facilities, the department contributed funding for work on the Mikilaaq Elders Centre in Arviat, and for renovations to the Youth Centres in Pangnirtung and Cambridge Bay.
Funding under the 2003-2004 capital budget will be awarded on a similar basis to ensure the support of community-based heritage, elder and youth activities in Nunavut.
Furthermore, our capital contributions policy will ensure that the capital contribution process is accountable, easy to understand, fair, transparent, and reflects community based needs.
Mr. Chairman, in an effort to make the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth’s grants and contributions accessible to more Nunavummiut, the department has restructured the department and established the new division of Community Programs.
There are many Nunavummiut in our communities who have worthy ideas that go without funding because the proponents cannot fill out the necessary paperwork.
The new Community Programs Division will be available in all of Nunavut’s official languages, Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, English and French.
In this way, we will ensure that no Nunavummiut is left out of the process.
In addition, Mr. Chairman, the department has changed its process when it will be putting out its call for proposals for Capital contributions.
With the Legislative Assembly’s early approval of the coming fiscal year’s capital budget, instead of waiting for the new fiscal year the department will now make its call for proposals as soon as the budget is approved by the House.
This way, results will be announced well before the end of this fiscal year and they will have enough time to, if they wish to get them on the sealift.
Mr. Chairman, the fourth area in which department will be spending its 2003/2004 Capital Budget is for the purchase of office furniture and equipment.
We will have to purchase office furniture and equipment.
In recent months the department has undergone and is still undergoing a major structural change.
We are trying to get an office at the Tri-gram so that we’ll be able to move, so that there will be no interruptions in our mandate.
I am getting ahead of myself.
For example, the telephone lines are not ready and the new staff must sit in inadequate spaces and there is no more capacity for new computer ports.
Only 11 work stations are available for a staff of 25.
In order for the department to continue staffing beyond its current level of 60% in Iqaluit more appropriate office space is urgently needed. I invite anyone who has doubts about the needs for new space.
It’s at building 917 and if we walk in and you will see everything right away. That’s how small it is.
As a result of this situation the department is working to relocate it to a new office area sometime this winter.
Capital funding in the amount of $250 thousand dollars will be provided in 2003/2004 to recruit the department’s new office space.
This will no doubt improve operational effectiveness and efficiency.
Additionally, this professional working environment will improve moral address health and safety issues.
It will also allow for increased capacity and facilitate accomplishment of departmental growth and objects.
It is our hope that this new space will provide the department with the working environment and facilities it has not had to date.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to take a moment before I conclude to bring to the Committee of the Whole up-to-date on the Capital Project that the department is reviewing that will require a major decision from this government.
The department is finalizing the study on a proposed heritage centre for Nunavut.
These initiatives will require government review and decision.
Senior officials from the department have met with their counterparts in the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage regarding possible Federal funding support that the department can access once the Government of Nunavut decides to proceed with the new Heritage Centre.
Nunavut does not have a Territorial Museum in Nunavut.
Without one we cannot preserve our cultural heritage.
We cannot tell our own story to our own people until such a centre is built much of our heritage will remain in storage in Yellowknife, inaccessible to Nunavummiut.
While we are currently making efforts to create a virtual museum of Nunavut and its artifacts on the internet, this is a poor substitute compared to the real thing.
You can expect to hear from us again on this important issue.
Mr. Chairman, the department of CLEY cannot afford major capital projects.
What we can and will do, however, is to ensure that the capital budget we currently have is used to support the community based organizations and individuals who work to enhance Nunavut heritage, elder and youth activities.
In addition, the department has moved to make access to departmental grants and contributions easier and more timely.
This way we hope to adapt to the needs of Nunavummiut and serve them better.
And hopefully they will submit their proposals, that there will be more applications.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my remarks.
I will be happy to answer any questions that any members may have on my department’s capital budget plan.
Chairperson (interpretation): Will you have officials with you? You can proceed to the witness table with your officials.
Thank you, maybe you can introduce your officials, Mr. Anawak.
To my left, on your right, Leona Aglukkaq Deputy Minister and to my right, David Kolot who is the Director of Policy and Planning.
Chairperson (interpretation): Maybe the chairman of the committee can make his opening remarks.
Mr. Iqaqrialu (interpretation): I think what the minister mentioned in regards to the comment about the computer like a head instead of like a brain is more appropriate, at least to me.
As the chair of the standing committee for Ajauqtiit, I am pleased to have this opportunity to make opening remarks as we begin deliberations on the 2003/2004 capital estimates.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has a budget of one million three hundred thirty-five thousand which represents one percent of government’s overall capital budget.
Mr. Chairman, while members appreciate receiving detailed information on grants and contributions that were approved by the department, members would still like to see a list of all applicants that were both approved and rejected.
Members feel that this information would be useful in determining what demands there are from their communities.
Mr. Chairman, members are concerned that a number of research studies that have taken place are very costly.
To date, Mr. Chairman, the amount of seven hundred ninety-five thousand, four hundred ($795, 400) has been spent on studies.
Mr. Chairman, the committee looks forward to receiving the final reports from past feasibility studies on Nunavut Heritage Centre, the Language Centre and the Nunavut Youth Centres.
The committee took note of the minister’s recent statement regarding Nunavut cultural assets.
We look forward to hearing more about the heritage centres.
Members have asked whether it would be a standard heritage centre and if options exist for its location.
There are a number of artefacts that should be repatriated to Nunavut, Mr. Chairman; the committee again, urges the department to seek federal funding for this centre, for the heritage centre.
Mr. Chairman, members are pleased that the department has changed its proposal submission deadline for its grants and contributions program to March 31st.
This will give applicants more time to prepare for sealift, should that be required.
Mr. Chairman, members would encourage the department where possible to combine youth and elders facilities so as to facilitate opportunities for interaction between elders and youth.
Mr. Chairman, I anticipate that individual members will voice their own comments and concerns on the departments 2003-2004 capital estimates.
This concludes my opening remarks.
The members will have ten minutes each for general comments and then they will be allowed to ask questions.
Mr. Arvaluk, the first one.
Looking at the opening remarks of the minister and the money that’ll be available, it’s very hard at this time, like for example, last year, I think it was 6.6 for O and M that was approved.
I don’t know how much it’ll be this year in March for operations and maintenance, but one of his remarks, looking at his opening remarks, he said just over 1 million will be spent on capital budgets and he also stated that there should be 25 employees if it’s going to be up to 60%.
Exactly what they do with the little amount of funding involved that there are staff of 25 in trying to work under a little over 1 million for a capital budget; maybe the services that they provide to the elders and youth when they total up the amount, maybe 7.6 or 7.8 million.
I would like to know what percentage is used for the staff.
I won’t be raising those questions because it would make more sense when we’re working under very limited funding in Nunavut.
We would like to use, we would like to see maybe about 30% of it being used on employees and maybe another 30% can be used in building cultural centres in schools to benefit the people of Nunavut.
Maybe there is something wrong here especially if it’s for the staff of 25.
As regular members we don’t have a full understanding of what exactly they do within the department and a lot of Nunavummiut don’t either.
So for that reason, looking at 8-2, the organizational chart from the minister, I’d like to see a number of PY’s which would be quite similar to the 8-2 chart.
So we will have a clear picture as to exactly what employees do and as to what percent the applicants get when they apply for funding.
And another thing that I want to mention is under page 5.