EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Anyway, having said that, I am wondering: how often is the municipality funded? Is it on a quarterly basis?
When you are operating with less money, what you want to do is you want to be able to have this financial management and the opportunity to invest in short-term investments by putting the term deposit in a bank, Mr. Chairman.
How often are they funded?
Is it on a quarterly basis or is it monthly as you receive the financial statements from the hamlet and then you give them the new money?
The funding is dependent on municipalities, Mr. Chairman.
Some municipalities will receive quarterly funding and some municipalities will receive monthly funding, Mr. Chairman.
It depends on the municipality and circumstances.
The term the hon. minister uses, “circumstance,” does it mean that if a hamlet or a specific community has the ability to operate this funding and is making financial statements on time to the community government, then that municipality is given the benefit of quarterly funding?
Yes, you are correct, Mr. Chairman.
My community - I have two communities, I will not name the specific community - is having some serious financial matters. So I hope the minister is aware and is doing everything in his ability or power to ensure that we get people from the regional office going to the community if there is an extra capability, or ability, or discipline needed in that community, that that person can be seconded from either regional or territorial government.
I thank my hon. colleague for raising that question or comment.
Our department and our staff are working and doing the best they can to alleviate the situation that my colleague is talking about.
I would actually like to take this opportunity to thank the hard-working staff in my department that work tirelessly to ensure that the best of care is given to the municipalities. When they require assistance from my department, they do their utmost to make sure that care is given.
In this case, in taking care of the financial difficulties of the community, we give it the best we have and we make sure that we use all of the resources we have available to us to ensure that the issues are dealt with in that municipality.
I commend my staff for doing that.
For the record, I don’t have any other questions besides the question I have already stated. But for the record, Mr. Chairman, I want to commend and acknowledge the administrative staff that we have in both of my communities. This is for the record.
I didn’t hear any questions and I’m sure the minister appreciates that comment.
I have no more names. J-5. Branch Summary.
Community and Government Services. Community Support. Total Operations and Maintenance. $58,331,000.
Chairman: Go to J-6. Community and Government Services.
Branch Summary. Government Services. Total Operations and Maintenance. $67,210,000.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I wonder if the Government Services part of this budget includes managing high schools. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I’ll have my deputy answer that question.
Community and Government Services actually manages the construction of all government infrastructure and that includes schools.
We have been apprised of the fact that our high school has been closed due to hazardous substances and in this case, it’s related to asbestos.
Due to the safety concerns related to this substance, I would like more information on this issue.
This is not really related to his question, but I would like to respond.
Currently, there are no school closures related to safety concerns, Mr. Chairman.
I believe the member is referring to the situation that transpired today and perhaps I can speak to some of the details, with your permission, Mr. Chairman.
The maintenance work related to the renovation of the washroom uncovered some asbestos remnants and as a precaution, all students were sent home. No one was placed in a dangerous situation.
I have it on good authority that this problem will be resolved over the weekend, prior to the school resuming on Monday. That is based on the briefing I have had with respect to this matter.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me to respond.
With respect to this matter, I don’t intend to let go of any safety issues related to facilities as I wish to represent my constituents’ concerns. I don’t want to just dish out more dirt, but I would like to know what type of standards or hazardous material protocol they may be following.
The issue with mould seems to keep resurfacing from time to time.
I would like to know what type of preventative measures are followed in order to diminish these safety issues.
I would like to know if this building will remain in use or when they would be able to move out of the Trigram building.
I am pleased that Mr. Okalik keeps bringing this issue up.
I am hoping that the other Members of the Legislative Assembly would refer to those types of buildings also because safety is a priority of our department and we want our employees to work in safe environments.
The Trigram building is one of our concerns.
At that time, when we found mould in it, it was cleaned.
There is an ongoing monitoring of the building to make sure that there is no recurrence.
I can just make that comment at this point.
We want to reassure the employees at the Trigram building that they are in a safe building, which is where his constituency office is located, and that it’s habitable.
If it becomes a safety issue, then we would deal with it, not only for that building but also for other Nunavut government buildings or buildings that are leased by the government.
It’s not the only case. There are recurrences of mould found in buildings.
When are we going to stop the occurrence of mould? Are we going to be waiting for another mould situation to happen before we do anything permanent about it?
I also thank Mr. Okalik for asking those questions.
When you’re talking about hypothetical issues, it’s quite hard to decide what you’re going to be doing.
We look at the situation, we look at the safety concern, and they’re usually covered by the contract that we have the landlord.
I can tell the member that if there is a recurrence, we would review the incident to see if it is a minor or major incident, but it’s quite hard when we’re talking about a hypothetical situation.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Yes, I don’t want to keep revisiting this issue, but we unintentionally keep returning to the same issue.
It seems that with respect to this mould issue, we keep going full circle and I would prefer not to do that.
We ought to be able to move forward and the easiest solution is to look for a new office building that is not subject to ongoing issues.
Currently, we are housed in an unacceptable facility and I wonder if they could commit to looking for a different facility so that we don’t fall into the same trap as before.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I thank the member for that question.
Yes, I agree with the member that we ought not to be resolving the same problem time and time again.
As I stated earlier, if the mould doesn’t reoccur, what options do we have then?
To date, based on the findings of that air quality study, the air in the building is safe and is not a safety concern.
Based on that assessment, there are no hazardous materials.
With the work orders unending, we cannot spend our precious resources searching for replacement offices when the situation may not reoccur.
To my perception, the search for a replacement facility would be a waste of time if the issue has been resolved. I will reiterate to the member though that should this matter resurface, there would need to be a comprehensive review conducted on the safety issues.
The Trigram building is under a lease agreement to the end of 2013.
Although I am aware of the hazardous substance release clause, I imagine that there are other provisions related to the safety measures that would kick in, as well as work safety legislation that would apply in this case.
However, as we speak at this moment, the air quality study indicated that there are no hazardous substances in the air circulation of the building.
In light of this finding, we cannot just leave that building.
Once we have reached that bridge, we will cross it should the situation resurface in the future.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Like mould, once it occurs, it keeps coming back.
I want the department to be ready for a move should that have to be. I’ve had to approach the minister on more than one occasion to deal with this situation.
It seems pretty obvious that we will have to move and find another office to lease.
I am not a mould expert and I’m sure you are not either, but from what I know, once mould dries up and once it’s cleaned properly, it doesn’t return.
Mould only starts growing in moisture or in damp areas.
If it is cleaned properly and if there is no dampness in that area, then it will not grow.
We will keep monitoring it.
Should it recur, we will deal with it and I’m going to make sure that the member is kept up to date.
In your department’s draft 2010-13 business plan, you indicated that a draft report has been developed concerning the open market feasibility study which develops sealift resupply policy options for the government’s consideration.
Once they’re finalized, “the department will present options contained in the report and seek direction concerning the subsequent sealift resupply contract.”
My question is: when do you expect the report to be finalized and will you table it in the House once it is completed?
Definitely, once it’s gone through the summarization of it, the translation of it, and all of the things necessary to table it for my colleagues, I will definitely get that done, Mr. Chairman.
The Government of Nunavut’s 2008-09 annual report on departmental contracting, procurement and leasing activities were tabled in the Legislative Assembly on December 1 and 7 of 2009.
I was just wondering when the minister will be tabling the 2009-2010 annual report.
I thank my colleague for that.
We are hoping to have that available in the fall sitting, Mr. Chairman.
The Legislative Assembly tables a separate annual report on its activities.
Will you commit to working with your cabinet colleagues to ensure that the GN’s Crown corporations and agencies table similar annual reports on their activities or provide the information to your department for tabling in the Legislative Assembly?
Our department is doing quite a bit of work with those that we are responsible for making available.
I would suggest or recommend to my colleague that he talk to the ministers responsible for those departments that he’s seeking documentation from because they’re outside our responsibilities.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Kusugak. (interpretation) Are you finished?
(interpretation ends) J-6. Community and Government Services. Branch Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $67,210,000.
Chairman: As per Rule 6(1), I now recognize the clock and will report progress to the Speaker.
Mr. Ningeongan: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 22 and the main estimates, and would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
A reminder that there is a meeting of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts at half past two this afternoon in the Nanuq Boardroom.
This House stands adjourned until Monday, March 15, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 14:01
Monday, March 15, 2010
Pages 1474 – 1536
Opening Prayer 1474
Ministers’ Statements 1474
Members’ Statements 1476
Oral Questions 1479
Tabling of Documents 1497
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 1497
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1498
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1535
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1535
Orders of the Day 1536
Monday, March 15, 2010 1474
118 – 3(2): Update on Condition Rating Inspections of NHC Assets (Tootoo) 1474
119 – 3(2): Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan (Taptuna) 1474
120 – 3(2): In Recognition of the Late Rosemary Brown (Curley) 1475
176 – 3(2): Kimmirut Heals and Remembers (Schell) 1476
177 – 3(2): Pangaggujjiniq 2010 (Tapardjuk) 1477
178 – 3(2): Sport and Recreation: Ensuring Equal Opportunity (Elliott) 1477
179 – 3(2): Congratulations to Pangnirtung Weavers for Accomplishments (Komoartok) 1478
180 – 3(2): Nanulik Athletes Bring Home the Medals (Ningeongan) 1479
181 – 3(2): Congratulations to Marriage in Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) 1479
277 – 3(2): By-Elections for DEAs (Schell) 1479
278 – 3(2): Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (Arvaluk) 1480
279 – 3(2): Vehicles and Disabilities (Elliott) 1482
280 – 3(2): Assessment of Programs for People with Disabilities (Elliott) 1485
281 – 3(2): Increase Housing Allowance (Schell) 1488
282 – 3(2): Renewal of Driver’s Licences (Ningeongan) 1489
283 – 3(2): DFAIT News Release - Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Elliott) 1491
284 – 3(2): Two Percent Payroll Tax (Schell) 1492
285 – 3(2): Legality of Two Percent Payroll Tax (Arvaluk) 1493
286 – 3(2): Outcome of Copenhagen Climate Change Conference (Elliott) 1495
129 – 3(2): Canada Ratifies United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Elliott) 1497
130 – 3(2): The Pangnirtung Tapestry Studio Collection (Komoartok) 1497
131 – 3(2): Recruitment and Retention of Inuit Nurses in Nunavut (Elliott) 1497
Bill 15 – Legal Treatment of Apologies Act – Notice 1497
Bill 16 – An Act to Amend the Judicature Act – Notice 1497
Bill 17 – Justice Statutes Amendment Act – Notice 1497
Bill 25 – Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2010 – Notice 1497
Bill 26 – Securities Transfer Act – Notice 1497
Bill 20 – An Act to Amend Certain Acts Related to the Education Act – Notice 1498
Bill 27 – An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act – Notice 1498
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 1499
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 1509
Bill 22 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2010-2011 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 1529
Speaker (Hon. James Arreak): Thank you.
I would like to ask Mr. Elliott to say the opening prayer.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Elliott. (interpretation) A very good afternoon, Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly. All Nunavummiut, have a very good afternoon.
Minister’s Statement 118 – 3(2): Update on Condition Rating Inspections of NHC Assets (Tootoo)
It’s a lovely day here in our beautiful capital.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues that the Nunavut-wide condition rating inspections on Nunavut Housing Corporation assets have been completed.
In response to recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada, the Nunavut Housing Corporation has undertaken detailed inspections of all public housing and owned staff housing units throughout Nunavut, Mr. Speaker.
A condition rating system database has been established and was updated continuously as new inspection reports were completed.
A full Nunavut-wide report will be compiled now that all of the units have been inspected.
Minister’s Statement 119 – 3(2): Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan (Taptuna)
Hon. Peter Taptuna: Good afternoon to my colleagues and Nunavummiut.
I rise today to update members on the status of the master plan for the Iqaluit International Airport.
As I announced on December 7, the Government of Nunavut has commissioned a new master plan for the Iqaluit International Airport to replace the existing plan which was completed in 1999.
Members are acutely aware that the Iqaluit International Airport has experienced high rates of growth since 1999 and the future outlook is for this high growth to continue.
The airport processed 115,000 passengers and 21,000 aircraft movements in 2009.
I mentioned in December that if the current growth continues as expected, by the year 2020, passenger volumes will have increased by another 90 percent to 220,000 and aircraft movement by another 57 percent to 33,000.
Iqaluit International Airport is coming under increasing pressure from the growing number of flights, aircraft movement, and air carrier, escalating security requirements, increasing frequent federal inspection, the introduction and growth of international traffic, and accelerating national interest in arctic sovereignty.
Mr. Speaker, in addition, as mining and mineral exploration and tourism recover from the global recession, increased activities in these sectors will put more stress on airport operations.
Departmental officials and representatives of the consultant provided a detailed briefing to my cabinet colleagues on December 3, 2009.
A briefing was provided to the city’s chief administration officer and senior director, planning and lands the next day on December 4.
The Mayor of Iqaluit was briefed on the master plan on December 18.
A presentation was given to city council at a special meeting on transportation issues held at City Hall on January 13.
The city administration provided comments to council on February 16 and these comments were subsequently forward to my department officials the following week.
Invaluable input has been received as a result of these consultations and this information is now being incorporated into the draft document by the consultant.
The 2010 Iqaluit International Airport Master Plan will address all present challenges. It considers the latest changes in airport and airline operating practices, regulatory and security requirements, and key safety improvements, the needs of modern airline fleets, revenue generation opportunities, and other emerging needs.
I look forward to tabling the 2010 master plan for the Iqaluit International Airport in the House by the end of this month. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 120 – 3(2): In Recognition of the Late Rosemary Brown (Curley)
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the significant contributions of Rosemary Brown, who sadly passed away at her home in Rankin Inlet this past December.
After arriving in the north from Churchill, Manitoba, more than three decades ago, Rosemary started working for the Government of the Northwest Territories as a Senior Nursing Officer.
It wasn’t long before she became a regional nursing officer, then chief nursing officer, and often served as acting CEO of the former Keewatin Regional Health Board.
Most recently, Rosemary served as the department’s capital planner for such projects as nursing facilities and has left us with many legacies throughout the territory.
Mr. Speaker, Rosemary coordinated the design and construction of several key health infrastructure projects: the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre, health centres in Arviat and Chesterfield Inlet, the Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay regional health facilities, the state-of-the-art Naja Isabelle residence in Chesterfield Inlet, the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, and most recently, the two continuing care centres in Gjoa Haven and Igloolik.
Rosemary’s attention to detail is evident in every building that she worked on and her experience as a nurse was paramount to designing efficient, effective spaces in which to provide high quality health care.
Mr. Speaker, one of the more significant contributions Rosemary made was the inclusion of a ‘quiet room’ in health centres.
These rooms are a place where patients’ families, friends, and loved ones can go when they are in need of privacy or a quiet place to be during stressful times.
In recognition of this wonderful legacy, we will be naming the quiet room in the Kivalliq Regional Health Centre in Rosemary Brown’s memory for her extraordinary contribution to health care in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaking, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of the late Rosemary Brown.
Member’s Statement 176 – 3(2): Kimmirut Heals and Remembers (Schell)
I rise today to honour the memory of RCMP Constable Douglas Scott, who was killed in November 2007 in the line of duty.
Last week, 11 jurors, 7 of whom are my constituents from Kimmirut, began their deliberations. On Thursday, the jurors completed what was obviously a very difficult trial.
This is a time of healing for everyone involved.
At the end of the trial, Justice Kilpatrick acknowledged that in this case, there were many victims.
I would also like to give full support to my constituents in Kimmirut as they start their healing journey.
I understand that there will be counselling made available for the jurors. I would like to give them my full support as they emerge from the ordeal that they went through last week.
I realize that this has been a trying time for the entire community of Kimmirut and that the loss of a young promising RCMP constable will never be forgotten.
A few years ago, my home community of Cape Dorset experienced a similar tragic loss, so I have an idea of what people must be feeling right now in Kimmirut.
I applaud Justice Kilpatrick’s suggestion for the community of Kimmirut to construct a memorial in Constable Scott’s honour.
I do understand that no sentence or memorial will ever bring back the life of Douglas Scott.
I understand that no amount of sympathy or healing can undo what was done.
To the family and loved ones of Douglas Scott, I send my deepest condolences and best wishes going forward.
At this time, I want to express my support for the entire community and all those who were victimized by this tragic loss.
Member’s Statement 177 – 3(2): Pangaggujjiniq 2010 (Tapardjuk)
I rise today to thank the staff of the Legislative Assembly.
All of Nunavut can now watch the proceedings of the House on TV on a daily, barring technical difficulties.
For example, the people of Igloolik can see us on TV, but they can’t hear us. I’m sure this will be fixed soon.
The reason why I stand up today, Mr. Speaker, is that on April 12, there will be a dog team race to Clyde River from Pond Inlet, all slated to arrive on April 19.
There will be participants from Igloolik.
If they could only hear me, I wish them the very best and hope they win the race.
Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay, and Clyde River residents are all participating in this race.
I’m sure that it will be a joyful event.
I send my support to all participants, Mr. Speaker.
Member’s Statement 178 – 3(2): Sport and Recreation: Ensuring Equal Opportunity (Elliott)
I rise today to applaud the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth for its tremendous performance in support of our athletes at the 2010 Arctic Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, our athletes made us proud. They brought home 47 ulus.
It is no small feat to transport, accommodate, and feed over 200 athletes from across Nunavut. The sport and recreation branch of the Minister’s department did an excellent job in performing this task and they should be recognized.
Mr. Speaker, I asked questions last week about the importance of ensuring equal opportunity for all athletes to travel to such events as the Arctic Winter Games.
I am pleased to note that a change has been made from 10 percent of the most economical return fare covered to 5 percent of the most economical return fare covered. I am further encouraged that his department is reviewing the Nunavut Soccer Association’s pilot project where all costs are shared fairly among the participants.
I eagerly await the final report on the outcome of this pilot project.
This is especially true in Nunavut, where youth make up a large percentage of the population. Participation in sports is a major contributing factor to the physical and mental health of young Nunavummiut.
I had the pleasure of speaking with a number of the athletes from my constituency who brought home seven ulus in the Dene games.
Those athletes were proud of their accomplishments and had many stories to tell.
Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in giving a show of appreciation for all of our athletes, their parents, coaches, mission staff, and those who made the Arctic Winter Games a reality.