EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In regard to replacement of mobile equipment, we do have a rotation time on different types of equipment that we have. This equipment is decided by the regional wildlife manager in the Kitikmeot region who works out of Kugluktuk.
So all requests come in from officers into that regional manager and then a priority listing is made.
And I would suggest that the officer there or the supervisor of that station requests the equipment that is needed. If it is a boat and motor, then we would look that very positively.
We do have $75,000 annually for the Kitikmeot region to replace mobile equipment and that could be part and parcel of the utilization of that funding.
I don’t have any more names for the minister.
We will now turn to page I-2, pardon me, I-3.
On March 6, 2008, the Minister of Environment made a statement concerning the government’s plans to establish an advisory council, and Mr. Schell mentioned it earlier, for the recycling program.
There’s money allocated for the 2010-11 fiscal year and I would like to know why it has been delayed.
Thank you for the question from the member.
The reason that’s not showing up until the following year’s budget is because we have a different funding source for this year and that’s from Nunavut Strategy funding.
In the summary, it also states that there will be a study on drafting legislation.
Is this study going to be presented to the Legislative Assembly and if so, when can we expect the bill to be introduced in this House?
Yes, the regulations/legislation is being worked on and we would like to get it into place. It will go in front of the Legislative Assembly and hopefully we can do this by some time next year.
Total Capital Expenditures. $1,685,000.
Chairman: Go to I-2.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Is the committee agreed that the Department of Environment is concluded?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I would like to ask the minister if he wishes to make a final comment.
I would like to thank my colleagues and the members for letting me off a little easier than I thought I was going to be.
And I would like to thank my officials here with me today. They have done a wonderful job preparing me for this Committee of the Whole. Thank you all and have a nice day.
Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials from the witness table.
Chairman (Mr. Pauloosie): Order.
I would now like to ask Madam Premier Aariak to make her opening remarks.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
It is my pleasure to make my first appearance in front of you as Premier and Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
In the 2009-2010 capital plan, $100,000 has been set aside for the replacement of furniture in ministerial offices.
Since the creation of Nunavut, which is now 10 years in the making, there has not been any major replacement of furniture such as for chairs and other office furniture.
The intention is to replace desks, wardrobes, filing cabinets, chairs, meeting tables, and the like.
We intend to use local suppliers as much as possible, if there are local suppliers in the retail outlets.
Most of the items that do need to be brought in from elsewhere would arrive during the sealift season.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my opening comments. I would be pleased to answer questions that the members may have.
Chairman: Thank you, Madam Premier Aariak.
I am pleased to provide some brief opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
The department’s proposed 2009-2010 capital estimates include $100,000 in funding for the replacement of furniture in ministerial offices.
Members recognize that the periodic replacement of such items is required and support this proposed project.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
>>Committee recessed at 15:01 and resumed at 15:29
Chairman (interpretation): We will now begin.
Thank you. (interpretation ends) Madam Premier Aariak, do you have witness that you would like to bring to the table?
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Yes.
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, (interpretation ends) could you escort the witness in, please.
(interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Madam Premier, for the record, please introduce your witness.
On my right is Markus Weber, Deputy Minister of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Do members have any general comments?
(interpretation) I don’t believe there are any questions.
(interpretation ends) Page B-3.
Total Capital Expenditures. $100,000.
Chairman: Page B-2.
Department Summary. Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Chairman: Is the committee agreed that the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs is concluded?
Chairman: Madam Premier, if you have any other comments you would like to make feel free to do so.
Thank you very much for scrutinizing our department’s capital estimates.
I thank you very much and I would also like thank my official for making an appearance.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Madam Premier.
(interpretation ends) I would now like to ask Minister Tapardjuk of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth to make his opening remarks.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Culture, Language, Elders and Youth – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee of the Whole.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to present the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth’s 2009-2010 capital budget.
Our Vote 2 Minor Capital budget in the amount of $60,000 will permit my department to complete minor renovations and purchase new office equipment and computers for departmental operations in the decentralized communities of Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kugluktuk, as well as our head office in Iqaluit.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to provide this update on CLEY’s 2009-2010 capital estimates. I would be pleased to answer any questions from the committee.
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, please, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does the committee agree to bring in the witness?
For the record, Minister Tapardjuk, please introduce your witness.
With me on my right is my Deputy Minister, Phoebe Hainnu, with the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Does a member of the Regular Members’ Caucus have any opening comments?
I thank the minister and his official for making an appearance.
I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth’s proposed 2009-2010 capital estimates.
If you can recall, the department’s proposed capital budget for 2009-2010 is $60,000 for minor capital projects.
In 2007-08, the department’s capital budget was $8.3 million and $90,000 in 2008-09.
Members note that the budgeted $60,000 is an ongoing yearly amount allocated for minor office renovations and equipment.
Members would expect to see greater allocations in this area in the future as costs continue to rise year by year.
Members have noted that two significant projects under the department’s mandate, the Nunavut Heritage Centre and the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School, are not included in the 2009-2010 capital estimates.
Any funds projected for future years under the 2010-14 Five-Year Capital Plan will have to be determined at some point.
We recall that in past budgets, the Legislative Assembly has approved funding for planning for both of these facilities.
Mr. Chairman, the Nunavut Heritage Centre has previously been identified as an urgent infrastructure requirement.
Having such a facility in Nunavut would allow us to repatriate collections of artefacts of Nunavut origin as they can be used for learning purposes, many of which are currently being held under service contracts in locations such as the NWT’s Prince of Wales Heritage Centre.
Members recognize that fundraising efforts for this facility are underway and encourage the minister in his ongoing efforts in this area.
Members would appreciate an update on the progress of fundraising efforts, including any anticipated contributions from the federal government or other interested parties such as NTI, in particular the Inuit Heritage Trust.
Mr. Chairman, the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School has been identified as an important means to pass on Inuit cultural knowledge through an educational setting.
It is a highly anticipated initiative.
Although GN funds are not allocated in the 2009-2010 capital estimates for this project, it has been noted that the department anticipates receiving funding from the federal government’s Building Canada Fund. In fact, the federal Finance Minister’s Budget Speech of January, 27, 2009, stated that the Piqqusilirivvik cultural facility could be included amongst projects supported through this fund.
Members look forward to announcements in this area in the near future.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Department of CLEY.
I am confident that my colleagues will also have questions and comments as we proceed.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation ends) Do members have any general comments?
Those were just my opening comments. I wanted to personally state my full support for the Nunavut Heritage Centre and the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School. I was pleased to learn that there will be financial support coming in from the federal government.
In regard to the Nunavut Heritage Centre, we would like to show our support and participate in fundraising events to fund this facility because it will be a benefit to all Nunavummiut and beyond. It will be a centre that will show our heritage and culture and will also be a tremendous resource.
I wish to again show my support.
I don’t believe that was a question. (interpretation ends) Do members have any general comments?
Turn to page F-3.
Do members have any question on page F-3?
I couldn’t find that page.
Mr. Okalik’s comments covered most of it.
My question is in regard to the cultural school project in Clyde River.
I’m not sure of the exact name, Piqqusiliriv... I don’t know what it’s called; Piqqusilirivvik.
The Legislative Assembly approved $8.8 million for this school.
Has this fund been spent and could you give us an update on what work has been done to date with the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School?
Yes, it has been identified in the capital plan. To date, we expended money on the review and the design of the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School, as well as the feasibility study.
We have expended funds in those areas, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): Has $8.8 million been used just for the planning and design of this facility?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): It’s also for the architectural design and the contractors have completed the design.
The RFP will close on April 1 for the awarding of the contract. We will spend $850,000 once the design has been completed.
The contract will be awarded shortly and once that’s done, the construction material should be shipped up to Clyde River this coming summer.
We’re using funds that were already approved by the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Chairman.
Could the minister inform the House as to what is happening with the request to the Building Canada Fund?
Could the minister give us an indication of what is happening with the federal funding for the building in Clyde River?
Yes, the federal government has identified some funds through the Building Canada Fund and they will provide 75 percent, but the Nunavut government will be paying for the other 25 percent.
We expect that in the 2010-11 fiscal year, the funds that have been approved should be enough to pay for the construction and ordering of the materials that we expect to arrive in that fiscal year.
So the federal government will pay for 75 percent of this through the Building Canada Fund, Mr. Chairman.
The Nunavut government will have to pay 25 percent and that’s a huge sum of money.
Have you considered approaching Nunavut Trust or NTI to contribute? The Nunavut Heritage Centre is for Inuit. It’s to show our culture, show off our way of life, and I’m sure that it will be the place to go to study Inuit culture and Inuit ways.
Have you considered asking Nunavut Trust or NTI if they can provide support?
We have not asked those entities to provide support for the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School.
What I can say is that we are working closely with the Inuit Heritage Trust and NTI for the heritage centre. However, as the Nunavut government, we are on our own with the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School, Mr. Chairman.
As you had stated previously, there will be satellite campuses in Igloolik and Baker Lake.
What’s their status?
The satellite campuses in Igloolik and Baker Lake provide training, taking young people out on the land, and they still deliver that program.
We will not be constructing a building in those two communities right away, but we will be delivering training programs such as land skills programming.
The Clyde River Cultural School will work in collaboration with those two satellite campuses on the delivery of on-the-land programs.
At this time, we haven’t made any plans to build actual units for those satellite campuses, but they will be providing field training programs in those communities, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Arvaluk (interpretation): In February of 2008, there was a report made on the planning of the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School, such as their staffing requirements, curriculum development, funding for their operations, and where it would be located.
Have there been any changes to the last report you made and if so, what changes have been made?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): We’re still working on that report, but I would like to say that there have been no changes made.
We will continue to work on it. I am pleased that there’s progress being made on that, Mr. Chairman.
Once they start constructing the cultural school in Clyde River, are there any directives as to how many Inuit have to be employed or anything that states that Inuit have to be trained on the job?
Are there any plans to hire people from Clyde River?
They have been identified and we will discuss it further during the O&M session. We have a coordinator and we are starting to identify the teachers and other support staff.
They will be explained in greater detail during the O&M review, Mr. Chairman.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation allocated $4.125 million for the 2010-11 fiscal year to start on staff housing.
I’m assuming it’s for teachers’ housing as well.
Once the cultural school is opened, will the staff housing be adequate for their staff? Will the staff housing be completed at the same time as the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School?
We are working closely with the Nunavut Housing Corporation on that.
We are trying to construct and complete the staff housing and the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School at the same time.
We will continue to work with the Housing Corporation during the planning stages, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Do members have any more questions?
I have no more members on my list for questions.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the capital estimates starting with page F-3.
Total Capital Expenditures. $60,000.
Chairman: Go back to page F-2.
Department Summary. Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
Chairman: Is the committee agreed that the Department of CLEY is concluded?
Chairman: Mr. Tapardjuk, do you have any more comments that you would like to make?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Yes, I would like to thank my colleagues.
The comments in regard to our capital plan are taken to heart.
We have been waiting a long time for funding of the Nunavut Heritage Centre, the schools that have been delayed, and health centres to be built due to delays.
There are also funds that have been taken from the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School which caused delays, so I probably understand and know where the members are coming from.
Members would like funds set aside for the heritage centre and we will work harder on getting that done.
And I encourage the members to approve the funds once they’re identified.
We thank your official.
I will now ask Minister Shewchuk of Human Resources to make his opening comments.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Human Resources – Consideration in Committee
Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Legislative Assembly.
I am pleased to present the proposed 2009-2010 Capital Estimates for the Department of Human Resources.
This capital budget of $40,000 will be expended to soundproof the walls of our regional office in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Chairman, to provide quality human resource management support to the GN departments and the agencies in the Kivalliq region, we need your support to approve the resources identified in the capital estimates for 2009-2010.
I would be pleased to answer any questions.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Shewchuk.
Do you have witnesses that you like to bring to the witness table?
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses in so that they can appear before the committee.
Minister Shewchuk, for the record, please introduce your officials. Minister Shewchuk.
I did not have the translation there, I’m sorry.
Chairman (interpretation): Yes, Minister Shewchuk.
Please introduce your officials because we need to know who they are.
To my right I have Aluki Rojas, the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, and to my left I have Melinda Janes, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Human Resources.
Officials, welcome.
Do my colleagues have any opening comments to make?
Mr. Pauloosie, do you have comments?
I am pleased to provide some brief opening comments on behalf of the Regular Members’ Caucus as the Committee of the Whole begins its consideration of the proposed 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Department of Human Resources.
The department’s proposed 2009-2010 capital estimates include $40,000 in funding for improvements to the department’s Rankin Inlet regional office.
Members recognize the importance of ensuring that the government’s employees have adequate and suitable office space in which to work.
Members support this proposed project.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Department of Human Resources.
Do any members have general comments?
No one has their hand up.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the capital estimates starting with page D-3.
Human Resources. Directorate.
Total Capital Expenditures. $40,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Only $40,000?
That’s almost a useless amount.
Go to page D-2.
Total Capital Expenditures for the Department of Human Resources. $40,000.
My colleagues, are you agreed that the Department of Human Resources is concluded?
Perhaps it’s easier to say $40,000 instead.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
I guess we should have asked for a little bit more.
But thank you very much for your support to all my colleagues and to the Cabinet. And I would like to thank my officials for being with me here today to go through Committee of the Whole.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister and your officials.
Thank you for appearing before us.
We can now proceed with a new department.
Our Speaker will be appearing before us and I believe he is ready.
You can go to the witness table at this time, Mr. Speaker, to make your opening comments.
Please escort him in.
Mr. Speaker, if you have opening comments that you would like to make, I give you the floor.
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2009-2010 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee
It is a pleasure for me to appear before you and the members today to present the 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
As members will note, the 2009-2010 Capital Estimates of the Office of the Legislative Assembly amount to just over one percent of Government of Nunavut’s total planned capital spending for the coming fiscal year.
(interpretation ends) The Assembly’s capital estimates for 2009-2010 continue to include an annual allocation dedicated to our capital reserve for the long-term vision of a new facility. This reserve will increase over time and will allow funds to be available to a future Assembly for planning and design of a new Legislative Precinct.
Ongoing investments in equipment and furniture renewal for the Assembly and members’ offices.
Further enhancements and upgrades to the Legislative Assembly’s audiovisual, Hansard, and information technology systems.
That concludes my opening remarks, Mr. Chairman. I would be pleased to answer any questions that members may have. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, I would like to have officials with me at the witness table.
Chairman (interpretation): Do my colleagues agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort his officials to the witness table.
I’m sure that we know who they are, but for the record, Mr. Speaker, if you can introduce your officials.
On my right is John Quirke, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and on my immediate left is Steve Pollock, Director of Corporate Services.
Welcome, Mr. Quirke and Mr. Pollock, the Speaker’s officials.
Following our rules, we will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the capital estimates starting with page A-3.
Go to page A-3. Office of the Legislative Assembly.
Total Capital Expenditures. $1,370,000.
I don’t want to acknowledge this person, but since he raised his hand, Minister Curley.
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): I wanted to ask this question, Mr. Chairman. Every four or five years when new members are elected, they’re given very old computers and they have to wait until April 1 for new ones.
Wouldn’t it be better to have an allowance to get new computers once elections have concluded instead of waiting until April 1?
The members’ budgets are usually depleted by that time and it’s impossible to buy anything.
I wonder if there has been any consideration given to provide new computers every four years or to provide a one-time funding at the end of each term.
Some members end up having to wait for six months before purchasing new equipment.
I wanted to ask if that has been considered.
I think he missed asking questions, so he finally did.
Mr. Speaker, would you like to respond to that?
We were able to purchase new computers for members.
I don’t believe that there’s a need to wait for new monies, members are able to receive new equipment once they have been elected.
If any member still hasn’t received new equipment, you can check with Steve Smith.
Chairman (interpretation): The question has been answered.
Are there any other questions on that page?
Chairman (interpretation): We will now go to page A-7.
Independent Officers of the Legislative Assembly.
Total Capital Expenditures. $30,000.
Chairman (interpretation): If you can go back to page A-2.
Office of the Legislative Assembly. Department Summary.
Total Capital Expenditures. $1.4 million.
Is the committee agreed that the Office of the Legislative Assembly is concluded?
Mr. Speaker, do you have any closing remarks?
Thank you, my colleagues. I would also like to thank all the staff on the top floor and my officials who were here with me.
Again, I thank you very much for placing us last for the departmental estimates.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the officials out.
We have concluded the departmental capital estimates for this fiscal year.
We can now proceed to the clause-by-clause review of Bill 1. It’s in your white legislation binders.