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In closing, the Standing Committee on Health and Education urges the Department of Education to take its comment and recommendations into consideration as it proceeds further with reform of the Income Support Program.
Speaker: The report has been received and adopted by the House and entered into the record as read.
On May 28, 2001, the Review was referred to the Standing Committee on Health and Education for review.
On October 15, 2001, the Minister of Education and his officials appeared before the Standing Committee to discuss the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review and a number of strategies being considered by the Department of Education to reform the current Income Support program.
This Report details the Standing Committee’s review of the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review and comments on possible reforms of the Income Support Program.
The Nunavut Income Support Program is a program delivered by the Department of Education following policies established by the GNWT prior to the creation of Nunavut.
In March of 2000, the Minister of Education appointed three individuals to the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review Panel.
A fourth member of the panel represented the Nunavut Social Development Council.
The Panel’s mandate was to solicit the views of Nunavut citizens and provide direction to the Government of Nunavut regarding the Income Support Program.
The Panel’s Review was intended to form the basis for developing a new vision of government support provided to the people of Nunavut through the Income Support Program.
The Review provides forty-six (46) specific recommendations grouped into five major themes: Youth; Adults; Elders; Community; and Nunavut Government.
Each theme has an introductory section describing various issues and is followed by a set of recommendations.
The 13 recommendations in the “Youth” section focus on the issues of assessment, training and support for youth.
Skills development, especially in the areas of training and education, and support such as career planning are presented as priority areas for Income Support Program reform.
The “Adults” section contains 12 recommendations that focus on the issues of assessment, training and career planning support for adults.
Appropriate and adequate day-to-day living assistance and the means of distributing this assistance is a central theme in this set of recommendations.
The “Elders” section contains four recommendations that focus on the general theme of Elders not receiving full and adequate access to the services and programs to which they are entitled.
Seven recommendations in the “Community” section relate to community involvement in the design and delivery of income support programs.
The Panel specifically recommends that community Circles of Support be created with the participation of all “helping agencies” such as the RCMP, church groups and social workers in each community, and recommends a number of roles and activities for each Circle of Support.
The “Nunavut Government” section contains 10 recommendations for Government activities that will have either a direct community impact or a broader territorial impact.
Public Consultation on the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review
As the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review Panel had already visited a number of communities and heard directly from the public on the Income Support Program, Members considered the Review and decided to focus Committee consultation efforts on soliciting input from representative levels of municipal government and from key stakeholder groups, as well as from constituents and the general public.
In mid-July, the Chair of the Committee wrote to all Nunavut Mayors and Senior Administrative Officers inviting communities to make written submissions on the Review, or to indicate their interest in appearing before the Committee.
At the same time, the Chair wrote to the Nunavut Association of Municipalities and the Status of Women Council, as well as to all Nunavut community daycare associations inviting each of these bodies to make written submissions on the Income Support Review or to indicate their interest in appearing before the Committee.
Input was also solicited from the public through the local media.
Newspaper advertisements were placed in Nunatsiaq News and News North from July 20 to August 31, 2001; a Public Service Announcement was provided to CBC North for radio broadcast and a short text calling for public submissions on the Nunavut Income Support Review was broadcast on local community television stations.
The Standing Committee on Health and Education would like to thank those representatives who presented their views to the Committee.
Copies of written submissions received are included as appendices to this report.
Departmental Consultation on the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review
Members of the Standing Committee met with the Minister of Education and his staff on October 15, 2001, to discuss the Department’s response to the Nunavut Income Support Review.
As noted earlier, on the same day that the Minister of Education tabled the Nunavut Income Support Review, he announced a number of programs in direct response to the recommendations made by the Panel.
A number of these programs related to training and training plans for clients on Income Support.
The Minister also announced an incentive of an additional $200 a month for Income Support clients who were working towards completing a Career Action Plan.
Several community-based training-on-the job projects have been announced and many Income Support clients have already been able to take advantage of these.
The Department of Education is working with the Nunavut Bureau of Statistics on a review of the costs of food and land equipment in Nunavut communities.
The final analysis of the cost of living in communities may warrant an increase in benefits provided to Income Support clients for food, clothing, furniture, shelter and emergencies.
Comments on the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review
The Standing Committee on Health and Education has reviewed the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review in detail and also considered comments and submissions on the Report.
The Committee was generally satisfied with the Panel’s consultation process although Members would have liked to see more visits to smaller communities and, especially, to those communities facing the greatest difficulties in identifying employment opportunities for their residents.
Committee Members were pleased to see that the Review reflects input from across Nunavut.
The Standing Committee supports the majority of the Panel’s 46 recommendations and supports its focus on training and the development of skills that foster self-reliance.
The Committee further urges all Departments and agencies to address those recommendations that relate to them and fall outside the mandate of the Department of Education.
On the issue of training and skill development, Committee Members are of the view that the Department of Education should be more creative and proactive when considering training opportunities.
Members raised the concern that training is too often defined in terms of classroom-based learning that often does not relate to meaningful employment opportunities within the community.
Those communities that do not have designated adult education facilities or full-time instructors are further disadvantaged.
Members discussed the need for Nunavut Arctic College Learning Centre instructors or Income Support Workers to assist clients with other needs such as life-skills training, identifying employment opportunities and job applications.
Committee Members are of the view that additional opportunities for training should also be identified through collaboration with the private sector as part of community development projects, in conjunction with other community activities such as subsistence hunting or harvesting, and based on principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
On the issue of communication, the Committee agrees with the Panel that the Income Support Program is not always well understood by clients, workers and community residents in general.
The Committee discussed the need for a clear communication campaign describing the Income Support Program and the roles and responsibilities of clients, Income Support workers and the Department of Education.
Given that literacy skills are often an issue for Income Support clients, the Committee encourages the Department of Education to consider radio and television programming as well as written material to communicate information about the Income Support Program.
On issues relating to Elders, the Committee is in agreement with the Panel’s findings in this area.
Members share the Panel’s view that more effort must be made to provide support to Elders and to make sure that Elders are receiving all the benefits to which they are entitled.
Members discussed options for consideration by the Department of Education such as supporting hunters who are receiving Income Support to provide food for other Income Support recipients such as Elders.
Another option involved Elders working together with community representatives to develop programs within their community that are based on traditional activities.
The Panel’s Review included a number of recommendations centred on the creation of a Circle of Support interagency group within each community.
Members expressed some concern over this concept.
Many communities currently have active community groups that provide support for social issues.
Members were of the view that creating another support organization could be an additional drain of energy of those community members already involved in these types of activities.
Members noted that other committees established though government policies, such as the Committees of Council established under the auspices of the Department of Health and Social Services, have yet to receive adequate training or resources to carry out their intended roles.
The Committee cautioned that such an initiative should not proceed unless adequate resources and support can be guaranteed to any such community group.
The Committee noted the Panel’s recommendation that Bingo winnings or Co-op incentives should be offset by valid purchases.
In some communities, if an Income Support client receives an unexpected windfall and uses that money to buy land equipment or household appliances then their Income Support payments are not affected.
In other communities, Income Support payments are reduced accordingly.
Committee Members are of the view that the guidelines for offsetting winnings of this kind should be applied consistently across all communities.
Comments on Reforming Nunavut’s Income Support Program
The Standing Committee on Health and Education discussed a number of strategies and opportunities for reforming the current Income Support Program that were not directly addressed in the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review.
Committee Members addressed one issue that is of great concern to Income Support recipients, but has not yet been resolved by the Department of Education.
Under the current Rent Scale, a client who receives Income Support assistance pays a subsidized rate of $32 a month for rent.
When that individual finds employment, not only does this immediately reduce the amount of assistance they receive under the Income Support Program, but under the Public Housing Program, their rent goes up.
The combined impact of the policies of the two programs discourages individuals from looking for work for fear that they will no longer be able to afford the rent once they begin earning.
In addition, both Programs verify income differently, and neither Program takes the other into account.
Members of the Committee noted a certain lack of flexibility within the current Income Support Program that limits clients’ ability to take advantage of programs offered through other departments.
Members are of the view that more effort could be made to create links between government departments and outside agencies to provide the maximum number of opportunities to Income Support clients.
Similar developments in the Northwest Territories this past June resulted in an average 7.8 % increase in amounts of money provided to Income Support clients for food as well as increases in other types of benefits.
Members are aware that a similar increase in benefits across Nunavut could result in nearly $2 million additional dollars being required for Income Support benefits alone.
In addition, there could be additional costs resulting from such initiatives as training incentives, revised exemption rates, improved career counselling services, etc.
Based on its consideration of the Nunavut Income Support Policy Review, the Standing Committee on Health and Education urges the Department of Education to take the following recommendations into consideration as it proceeds further with its reform of the Income Support Program:
The Committee recommends that the Department of Education be more creative in developing and supporting training programs for Income Support clients, including exploring opportunities through:
partnerships with other departments such as Sustainable Development;
partnerships with municipal organizations to identify and implement community development projects;
partnerships with the private sector; and
incorporating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit by developing land skills and traditional skills.
The Committee recommends that the Department of Education ensure that training programs are linked to meaningful employment opportunities within the community through continued consultation at the community level.
The Committee recommends that the Department of Education put a strong emphasis on lobbying for funding from outside agencies for training programs.
The Committee recommends that the Minister of Education table a progress report in the House in the fall of 2002 on the status of Income Support Program reform in Nunavut.
Tabled Document 052 - 1(5): 2001 Auditor General’s Report
Speaker: Members I have a document that I wish to table.
I wish today to table the "2001 Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut", which is prepared in accordance with section 46 (2) of the Nunavut Act.
Pursuant to the terms of reference of the Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly, which were adopted by this House, the report stands referred to the Standing Committee of Government Operations and Services for review.
Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday November 29, 2001, I will make the following motion.
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Akulliq, to revoke the appointment of John Quirke of Iqaluit as the Chief Electoral Officer for the Nunavut Territory and appoint Sandy Kusugak of Rankin Inlet as the Chief Electoral Officer for the Nunavut Territory pursuant to section 3 of the Elections Act.
Bill 18 - An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act - Notice
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on November 29, I shall move that Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act be read for the first time.
Motion 014 - 1(5): Appointment of Chief Electoral Officer
Mr. Speaker, I would like unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Whereas, Section three of the Elections Act allows the appointment of a Chief Electoral Officer on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly, and
Whereas, the Legislative Assembly agreed to hire an independent Chief Electoral Officer through an open competition process, and  Whereas, the Legislative Assembly was successful in its recruitment of a Chief Electoral Officer, and
Whereas, John Quirke was appointed under Section 22(1) of the Interpretation Act and Section 3 of the Elections Act,
Now, therefore, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Akulliq, to revoke the appointment of John Quirke of Iqaluit as the Chief Electoral Officer for the Nunavut Territory and appoint Sandy Kusugak of Rankin Inlet as the Chief Electoral Officer for the Nunavut Territory pursuant to Section 3 of the Elections Act.
Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Iqaqrialu. I know your intent was to ask for unanimous consent on this item.
So it will be put in the record.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to deal with the motion today.
Congratulations, Ms. Kusugak on your appointment.
Tabled Document 41 - 1(5), Nunavut Liquor Act Report.
With Mr. Irqittuq in the Chair.
Members before we go into committee of the whole we will break for 20 minutes.
We can meet in the member's lounge and we would ask our new Chief Electoral Officer to join us for coffee.
>>House recessed at 3.12 p.m. and resumed at 3.40 p.m.
Chairperson (Mr. Irqittuq) (interpretation): Thank you for returning for committee of the whole.
I will now call the committee to order.
The members wish to start with Bill 12, the Department of Sustainable Development Capital Estimates 2002-2003.
Once the Department of Sustainable Development is completed we can move on to the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Does the committee agree that we will deal with Bill 12, Appropriation Act No. 1, 2002-03 with the Department of Sustainable Development Capital Estimates.
Chairperson (interpretation): Minister Akesuk, do you have opening comments. Minister Akesuk.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good afternoon. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to present to you the Department of Sustainable Development’s Capital Planning Process for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
As the Minister accountable for a diverse portfolio of responsibilities and duties, I am well aware of the value and contribution of our capital planning process to the communities.
(interpretation ends) Our Capital Plan not only stimulates community-based economic growth but it also furthers the interests of the Government of Nunavut in the areas of tourism development, and the enforcement of our legislative mandates for Wildlife, Parks, and Environmental Protection.
(interpretation) Our capital expenditures are divided into three categories: Buildings and Works, Equipment Acquisition, and Contributions.
(interpretation ends) In this year’s Capital Plan, 75% of our expenditures will be focused on investments in buildings and works.
Specific projects within this category include the following (interpretation):
Tourism attraction development projects designed to support Nunavut’s tourism industry:
in the Qikiqtaaluk region we are planning projects in the communities of Hall Beach, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet and Cape Dorset.  In the Kivalliq region we are planning projects in the communities of Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet, and Baker Lake, while
in the Kitikmeot Region we are planning projects in the communities of Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, and Kugluktuk.
Wildlife office upgrades are planned for the communities of Grise Fiord, Kugaaruk, Sanikiluaq, and Hall Beach.
(interpretation ends) We are also investing 15% of our Capital Plan in equipment acquisition throughout all regions of the territory in support of our efforts to decentralize our divisions, and ensure that our field staff within the three regions have equipment adequate to the needs of their work.
In addition we are investing an additional 10% of our Capital Plan as contributions to support tourism, Arts and crafts, and the Nunavut Development Corporation.
(interpretation) In conclusion, the Capital Plan for the Department of Sustainable Development has focused on three strategic areas:
Supporting our smaller non-decentralized communities,
Enhancing economic opportunities at the community level, and
Ensuring that the department is in a position to comprehensively deliver on its legislative mandates within Nunavut.
I would be pleased to answer any questions you might have concerning the capital allocation for the Department of Sustainable Development.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Akesuk for your opening remarks.
Do the members agree that the minister's officials may be brought into the chamber.
Mr. Akesuk, could you introduce your officials please, for the record.
My officials are my new Deputy Minister Alex Campbell, and our Director of Corporate Services, Terryl Allen.
Mr. McLean the Chairman for the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development may now make his opening comments.
I would like to welcome Mr. Alex Campbell to this portfolio as Deputy Minister in a department that means a lot to the people of Nunavut.
Being an ex-Kivallimmiuq, it is good to see a face back.
As Chairman of the Standing Committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development, I am pleased to be able to provide opening comments as we begin the review of the 2002-2003 capital estimates for the Department of Sustainable Development.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee had the opportunity in June to meet with the Minister of Sustainable Development to review the draft 2002-2003 capital estimates.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee was pleased to see that investment continues to be made in the parks and tourism sector.
However, the Committee strongly urges community consultation in the future when determining what projects to fund in those communities.
As the Members well know, each community is unique.
Residents best understand their parks and historical sites.
They know what needs to be done to increase visitor traffic and enjoyment.
The Committee encourages the Department to continue moving towards the completion of the Inuit Impact Benefit Agreements for territorial parks.
Concern has been expressed in the past with respect to the progress of these negotiations.
Mr. Chairman, as Members are aware, the Standing Committee traveled during the later summer and early fall to more than half of the communities in Nunavut to learn what help is needed to boost tourism.
It is obvious that the Committee supports the development of a strong tourism sector in Nunavut.
However, the Committee is also concerned that other issues not be neglected.
While the Committee recognizes the role that the Nunavut Development Corporation has to play with regards to fish and meat processing plants, this area may require more attention from DSD.
Mr. Chairman, this is in reference to the successful representation of Kivalliq Arctic Foods at the Anuga 2001 Fair and Trade Show.
The Committee sees a definite market for caribou in Europe as a healthy and natural alternative to beef.
Therefore, the Committee would suggest that the department seriously review the current and projected market for these products and support the growth of this industry.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee noted that there are no funds set aside in this budget for gateway displays.
It would be interesting to know if those projects have been completed.
It is hoped that plans are in place for the upkeep of those displays.
The Committee notes that over the course of the 5-Year Capital Plan, over $500,000 will be invested in visitor centres.
During its consultations, Committee Members heard concerns related to the apparent under-utilization of visitor centres in some communities.
We need to look at ways to make visitor centres more viable on a year-round basis.
The Committee is pleased that the department continues to support artists through the purchase of local art for display in GN buildings.
However, concern exists that these purchases be made in an equitable manner that allows many communities to benefit from this investment.
Mr. Chairman, the Committee would like to see a list of art acquisitions to date including the date of purchase, the artist and the location of the piece.
That concludes my remarks on the capital estimates of the Department of Sustainable Development.
For the sake of smooth operations in the House, the members may make their opening comments for up to ten minutes and then ask questions.
My comments won't be longer than three or four minutes.
But my comments are basically the direction that this department is going in over the last two years, I haven't been really satisfied with.
On numerous occasions I have expressed those concerns in Standing Committee meetings.