EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Yes, I am very proud of those people because they’re watching the proceedings and I’m sure that they would like to see good results come out of this.
The community hall is approximately 30 years old. It used to be quite large 30 years ago, but it’s very small today.
Some people don’t even go there during events because they know that it’s going to be filled up to capacity right away.
I asked a question about international events like the Arctic Winter Games.
We think about where they’re going to be situated.
It would be in Iqaluit because there is no other community that has facilities large enough to house that many athletes.
I support community halls no matter which community it’s going to be built in.
We are lacking recreational facilities, community halls, and there are old aging buildings that need to be renovated.
With that, in Rankin Inlet, we’re not only talking about an arena that needs to be renovated or revamped, but there’s also the school gyms that can’t be used daily because it’s geared toward the school population.
Have you considered not just building an arena in Rankin Inlet?
If you look at the correspondence that I tabled earlier, they’re looking at a variety of activities and sports that they can go to. They’re at the point of boredom because they’re lacking so many things.
Are you looking at a multi-complex for Rankin Inlet or is it just going to be an arena?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): It was only for an arena because that was the wish of the Legislative Assembly.
On that note, it’s only for the arena.
I can tell you that I had a meeting with the hamlet council in Rankin Inlet in the spring or summer.
During that dialogue, we talked about the wishes of the community. The community hall is way too small for the size of the population.
It’s due to the forced growth of the community that those facilities are becoming way too small. They want to see a community hall.
They would like to see a curling rink, and we were looking at a multiplex.
During that dialogue with the hamlet council and our Member of Parliament, Leona Aglukkaq, the Rankin Inlet council was going to look for funds that could be used for the planning of the multiplex. They were looking for funds outside of the Nunavut government to pay for the design and planning phase.
I supported them fully as a representative of Rankin Inlet in looking for outside sources of funds.
With the young people’s correspondence and something that could be considered seriously, and I’m sure you have copies of the correspondence I tabled earlier; they said that if the arena was built, it would be in a different area than the complex.
Is that going to be the case? Is it going to be housed separately from that area?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): The hamlet council would be the ones to decide which lot they would build that facility on.
That’s under the responsibility of the hamlet council.
We are on page H-3. Capital Planning.
Mr. Curley, if you have another question, the floor is yours. Mr. Curley.
Going back to the youth correspondence, the elders enjoy participating in the games and they should be able to do that.
There should also be a larger observation area so that the elders could go there and watch the activities.
If we’re going to be building that arena, are you going seriously consider putting in an observation area?
Yes, in the design phase. I’m sure they’re looking at the spectators’ area and how many people would be able to be there at one time.
I’m sure that during the planning stage, all that is going to be encompassed in the report.
Anything else? Mr. Curley.
Okay, that is good to hear.
Another question I have is related to the same issue.
The planning that has been undertaken, in discussing the issue with the planners, when would the design or the planning for the design be completed?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): The architectural drawings are going to be completed next year.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): So the drawings will be done next year.
It seems like there’s $200,000 in approved funds. That was in 2010-11. In 2011, there’s $100,000 that has been agreed to and $500,000 is now currently being requested by your department.
Is this $500,000 going to be used for the design phase?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Yes, it would be used for both the planning and design phase.
We are on page H-3. (interpretation ends) Capital Planning.
Total Capital Expenditures. $21,753,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
We will then move on to page H-6.
Community and Government Services. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. (interpretation) Petroleum Products Revolving Fund. (interpretation ends) Capital Expenditures. $19,120,000.
When we could read, we used to call it the pulling thing.
On H-7, I think it was last year or the year before when we talked about the aging tank farms infrastructure.
They were going to renovate those tanks and paint them, and so on. I would like to see Repulse Bay moved up.
Did you have to increase the capacity of these tanks in some communities?
What does Repulse Bay have to do if they want to increase the capacity of their tank farms?
How did you arrive at which community would get larger tank farms?
Thank you, Mr. Ningark, for asking a question on H-7.
We identified those communities for bulk fuel storage capacity increase because they couldn’t meet the demand and they needed to change the storage tanks completely. Repulse Bay fuel farm is okay.
Additionally, all bulk fuel storage tanks have room. For example, if the local fuel usage increased by 15 percent, there is room for that additional fuel.
That is how it is set today.
So based on what we know today, these are the issues that are reviewed when they are looking at replacing the fuel storage tanks or when they are contemplating adding additional fuel tanks to what was identified.
Do you have any more questions? Mr. Ningark.
Mr. Ningark (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the hon. minister for that answer.
Could you tell the House and me that there will be no need for an emergency refill in Repulse Bay this upcoming winter?
He wants to know if it’s just a guess right now.
It was unfortunate that we had to do an emergency refill in Repulse Bay.
The tanks are filled now. If there are no unavoidable circumstances, we should be able to arrive to the next sealift.
It should be okay in Repulse Bay.
On H-7, again along the same lines as Mr. Ningark’s question on bulk fuel storage, this is the third year that there has been money in the budget for Sanikiluaq for planning and design for storage facilities.
This year, there is $300,000.
Can the minister explain what this $300,000 will be used for in this budget?
Yes, Mr. Rumbolt, that would be used for design.
This is the third year that money has been put in the budget for planning and design. Most other communities have two years of planning and design, and then they get funding for major construction.
Can the minister explain why this is the third year for planning and design and we’re not yet getting money for major construction of a tank farm?
If I can, through you, have Mr. Green answer that question.
Mr. Green: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In the previous fiscal year, we spent approximately $175,000 to do the feasibility study.
The purpose of the feasibility study was to help us determine what the future capacity requirements would be required for the community over a 20-year planning horizon.
Now that the feasibility study is done, we have issued the RFP to start the actual design of the tank farm in Sanikiluaq.
As soon as we know what the class “A” estimates are for the construction costs, we would be coming back through the capital planning process to seek the construction dollars.
Do you have any more questions? Mr. Rumbolt.
I thank Mr. Green for the response.
It’s no big secret that the community of Sanikiluaq has been having issues with fuel capacity over the years.
This past summer, there were three temporary tanks brought in from Rankin Inlet to help with our shortages.
From looking at the budget, there is no money planned from 2014 to 2018 for major infrastructure.
So it almost makes it look like these temporary tanks are becoming permanent tanks.
How soon can we see money in our long-term budget for the tank farm?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that question.
Mr. Chairman, in line with the new capital planning process, as soon as we are able to get the class “A” estimates on the tank farm construction into Sanikiluaq, we will be bringing that forward through the capital planning process. As soon as we can find out close to exactly how much it’s going to cost, we will bring that forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Green mentioned a few minutes ago that they were looking at our needs for the next 20 years for fuel.
At present, the community is using jet fuel also as heating fuel in our homes.
Is part of your long-term plan to get away from using the same fuel for airplanes as you do for heating fuel?
Yes, Mr. Rumbolt, that is the plan.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. We’re on page H-6. Mr. Ningeongan.
Mr. Ningeongan (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. On page H-7, I think it’s just part and parcel of the line of questioning. I would like to ask the minister regarding Chesterfield Inlet’s bulk fuel storage capacity increase.
Are we on time with the building of this facility?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ningeongan. Minister Kusugak.
Mr. Ningeongan, yes, we are on time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Kusugak. I have no more names on my list.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you. I have a question regarding Baker Lake.
For 2013-14, $3.5 million will be used.
There are many hunters in Baker Lake now and they’re increasing. Once the mining company opens in that community, they are now purchasing more mobile equipment, vehicles, and snowmobiles.
The private businesses are working with the mining company and the private companies now have vehicles and equipment.
After hearing in Baker Lake how the funding is going to be used, can the minister elaborate further on that?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We usually plan for fuel tanks to make sure that the fuel storage capacity increases and they look at the population growth. After they look at all of these aspects, they have to decide as to what kind of capacity increase they should build in the communities.
Each community knows how much fuel that they have utilized within the year.
Population growth and mining companies developing in the community or surrounding community are all included in the initial planning stage. We’re almost complete with the design of the Baker Lake fuel storage facilities. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Aupaluktuq (interpretation): Thank you. In 2014-18, this $100,000 would be used for fuel. What is your department doing to plan on the fuel storage capacity due to population growth?
Do you continue to plan to increase the fuel storage when the population is increasing in Baker Lake?
As I stated earlier when I spoke about the planning process, we tried to plan ahead of time to make sure that there is enough fuel stored in the communities. We have tried to increase the fuel that’s being stored in each community by 15 percent. We also use the community population growth.
Likewise, with other communities and in Baker Lake, that’s what we’re doing.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Branch Summary. (interpretation) Community and Government Services.
Petroleum Products Revolving Fund. (interpretation ends) Total Capital Expenditures. $19,120,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Go back to page H-2. (interpretation ends) Department Summary. (interpretation) Community and Government Services. Detail of Expenditures. Total Capital Expenditures. $40,873,000.
Do we agree that we have completed the review of the Department of CGS and we’re ready to move on to another department?
Minister Kusugak, thank you for appearing before the committee.
I also would like to thank your officials.
If you have any closing remarks, I will give you an opportunity to make them, Mr. Minister.
First of all, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my officials who are here with me.
I also would like to thank all the staff at CGS. There are many employees working in Nunavut as a whole. They work very hard and they face many difficulties and challenges.
The road we tread on becomes a bit rough, but they continue.
I also would like to thank the members for asking good questions.
When you don’t ask questions, it becomes confusing of what the public wants. So we will be listening to your advice.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for chairing the meeting.
Thank you, Mr. Green and Mr. Lam.
The review of your department is completed. Now you can give a sigh of relief.
This afternoon, Mr. Aupaluktuq stated that we would like to deal with the review of the Department of Justice once we complete with the review of CGS.
So therefore, I ask Minister Shewchuk to go to the witness table to make his opening comments. Minister Shewchuk.
Minister Shewchuk, we will now review the capital estimates. Before we move on, Minister Shewchuk, if you have any opening comments, I now give you the floor.
Bill 41 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2013-2014 – Justice – Consideration in Committee
Good afternoon to you and your committee.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to appear before the Committee of the Whole to present the Department of Justice 2013-14 capital appropriations.
The total amount of $8.97 million is shown as being allocated for the Department of Justice capital expenditures for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
The department’s major capital expenditure is $8,575,000 for the Baffin Correctional Centre Overcrowding Relief Structure which is to be built adjacent to the Baffin Correctional Centre to alleviate the current overcrowding situation at BCC.
Adult male offenders constitute the vast majority of all inmates in Nunavut.
Their bed space requirements are currently not being met.
This overcrowding problem has persisted over the last 10 years.
The Rankin Inlet Healing Facility will add an additional 48 beds. However, a deficit of bed capacity will remain and, according to projections, will increase every year as the effects of Bill C-10 develop.
The committee will note that in the draft 2013-14 capital estimates, this relief structure is shown to cost approximately $8,575,000.
This estimate was based on a class “X” estimate. Class “X” estimates are preliminary estimates which the department obtained to give FMB notification of this project.
The department now has a class “C” estimate which indicates that the total cost may be approximately $15 million.
There will be additional O&M costs required to operate this facility.
It is expected that an additional 12 PYs will be required to operate the relief facility, with annual O&M costs projected at approximately $1,542,000.
By the end of next month, the department will have a class “B” estimate, which will give us a much more precise projection of the actual cost of the facility.
At this time, the department continues to use the class “X” estimate as a placeholder and will make a submission to FMB for supplementary funding once the exact class “B” figure is available.
It is, however, anticipated that the total cost will not exceed $15 million.
The overcrowding relief structure will be utilized in years to come to provide programming to offenders following construction of a new larger facility replacing the present Baffin Correctional Centre.
In addition to this project, the department also has $400,000 set aside for minor capital expenditures.
These are funds needed to cover regular costs, such as maintenance to existing facilities, vehicle replacement, and technology upgrades.
I would be pleased to answer questions from your committee members.
Chairman (Mr. Ningeongan) (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Shewchuk.
Thank you. Minister Shewchuk, please introduce your witnesses.
On my right, I have Deputy Minister of Justice Norman Tarnow, and on my left, I have Director of Corrections J.P. Deroy. In the back of the Gallery here, I also do have Christine Bens, Director of Corporate Services, and Chris Stewart, Manager of Capital.
Welcome. I would like to welcome you, Mr. Minister and your officials in the witness table and along the side here. Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness have opening comments?
Yes, I do have opening comments on behalf of the standing committee.
(interpretation ends) I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness concerning its review of the proposed 2013-14 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members engaged in a broad dialogue concerning issues related to the territory’s correctional system and facilities.
The standing committee notes that approximately 95 percent of the department’s total proposed capital budget of $8,975,000 is primarily allocated to the construction of a new tensioned membrane rapid deployment structure at the Baffin Correctional Centre here in Iqaluit.
Members will recall that in March of 2012, the Legislative Assembly approved $700,000 for a supplementary appropriation to fund “the design of the proposed emergency overcrowding relief structure for the Baffin Correctional Centre.”
The standing committee recognizes that the construction of a new facility to completely replace the Baffin Correctional Centre would be a significant undertaking and is unlikely to occur in the near future. On December 1, 2009, the Minister of Justice informed the Legislative Assembly that “the funding for a $100 million to $150 million capital project of this nature would be very difficult to proceed with.”
Members note that the department’s proposed 2013-14 capital estimates indicate that the formal name of this project is the “Baffin Correctional Centre Temporary Housing Structure.”
Given that it is apparent that the new rapid deployment structure will be in use for the indefinite future, a more accurate project title would be welcomed.
The department’s request for proposals for architectural and engineering services for this project closed on June 4, 2012.
The request for proposals indicated that the construction tender for this project “shall close no later than March 20, 2013,” and that the department plans to “take occupancy of this building in March 2014.”
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members were advised that the contract for this project has been awarded to Stantec Incorporated.
The minister also indicated that the final cost of designing and constructing the facility may be approximately $15.0 million.
Information provided to the standing committee concerning this project indicates that the department will require between 9.0 and 12.0 positions to administer the facility at an approximate annual cost of $840,000 to $1,200,000 in new operations and maintenance expenditures.
In June of 2012, the Legislative Assembly approved a $4,373,000 capital carryover related to the construction of the new men’s correctional facility in Rankin Inlet.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members were advised that the department plans to begin transferring inmates to the new facility in December of this year, and that it will be fully occupied by early 2013.
Members note that the new men’s correctional facility in Rankin Inlet is designed to accommodate approximately 48 medium- and low-risk offenders.
Although the opening of this facility will help to address overcrowding at the Baffin Correctional Centre, which currently houses approximately 100 offenders, members recognize that a number of factors, including recently-passed federal crime legislation, will continue to put pressure on the capacity of the territory’s correctional facilities.
The standing committee encourages the minister to provide regular updates to the Legislative Assembly on the status of the new correctional facility in Rankin Inlet, including any initiatives on the part of the department to explore options for expanding the facility.
Members of the standing committee also look forward to reviewing the status of staffing, Inuit employment, and programming at the new facility during their upcoming consideration of the department’s proposed 2013-14 main estimates and business plan, as well as the department’s progress in transferring offenders from the Baffin Correctional Centre and repatriating offenders from outside of the territory.
According to information provided by the department earlier this year in response to a written question posed in the Legislative Assembly, there are currently six outpost camps operating in Nunavut.
Members recognize the importance of effective healing and rehabilitation programs in correctional facilities that will help enable offenders to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Members also recognize the importance of incorporating cultural components in rehabilitation. Outpost camps can play an important role in achieving these goals.
During the minister’s recent appearance before the standing committee, members were advised that approximately 10 inmates are currently located in correctional outpost camps.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee continues to support efforts on the part of the minister to engage his federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts to identify cooperative measures to help address our territory’s needs in the area of corrections.
Members recognize that approximately 40 to 50 offenders from Nunavut are currently serving their sentences at facilities in the Northwest Territories and Ontario because of lack of space in our jurisdiction.
In May of this year, the Government of the Northwest Territories released a report which indicated that the implementation of Bill C-10, which was passed by the Parliament of Canada earlier this year, would result in an additional 3,878 bed-days per year in the NWT’s correctional system.
The Minister of Justice of the Northwest Territories subsequently indicated that the GNWT is considering no longer accepting Nunavut offenders at its correctional facilities.
In June of this year, our Minister of Justice informed the Legislative Assembly that Nunavut’s Department of Justice has been undertaking work to assess the impact of the recently-passed federal legislation on our territory’s correctional system.
At that time, the minister indicated that he would commit to tabling information in the Legislative Assembly concerning impacts on Nunavut.
Members look forward to the minister fulfilling this commitment.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee continues to urge the Minister of Justice to begin the practice of tabling an annual report in the Legislative Assembly on the state of the territory’s correctional system, including current and comprehensive information concerning the number of offenders in territorial correctional facilities, outpost camps, and out-of-territory facilities, as well as an accounting of departmental expenditures incurred under agreements with other jurisdictions for the placement of offenders.
This information would be of benefit to all Members of the Legislative Assembly and would assist the government in analyzing and substantiating the need for new correctional facilities and resources. This annual report would also benefit from including detailed information concerning the effectiveness of the department’s rehabilitation and treatment programs in reducing the rate at which individuals in territorial custody reoffend.
Mr. Chairman, the department’s proposed 2013-14 capital estimates also include $400,000 for minor capital projects. These expenditures are primarily for upgrades to existing facilities and the acquisition of new vehicles.
Members were advised that there are approximately 15 to 20 vehicles in the department’s fleet.
Members continue to urge the departments of Justice and Community and Government Services to work closely together to address the issue of fire safety and inspections at territorial correctional facilities.