EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We don’t mind receiving $55 million marine infrastructure, at least if we can get something to help us out, even though it costs $55 million.
As I stated earlier on, currently the boat owners have safety issues. I was thinking about a drive-in, drive-out ramp to pull the boats in.
I want everyone to understand so that no one can say that Pond Inlet is satisfied with only a small craft marine facility. I’m not saying that and I don’t want to be quoted as saying that. What I’m trying to say is that there was a feasibility study done for $40 million.
In the interim, we would be happy to get something small so long as we know it would not be an alternative to the $55 million facility.
However, I would like to ask the minister in regard to the item on airports, Mr. Chairman, which will be dealt with.
With your indulgence, Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask a question. Not too long ago, they did a feasibility study to see if it’s possible to move the airstrip in Pond Inlet.
This was work done by the Hamlet of Pond Inlet with the assistance of the Co-op, which I am very proud of.
Our Nunavut government and Members of the Legislative Assembly and Nunavummiut are always looking for ways to live a lot cheaper.
It’s being thought that if Pond Inlet becomes the hub for the High Arctic communities, the surrounding communities could be serviced from Pond Inlet by smaller aircraft.
If that becomes a reality, it would be cheaper for passengers to fly. It still would be very expensive if they start using bigger aircraft, but I believe that the costs would go down for cargo and passenger fares.
I would like to ask the minister. I hear various reasons why this didn’t go ahead with the feasibility study that was done in the past.
I had heard that there was no opportunity for the Nunavut government to review that feasibility study by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation because apparently the hamlet didn’t want to give the Nunavut government a copy of the feasibility study.
Can the minister clarify that for me?
Mr. Chairman, we’re always looking for ways to try and improve our infrastructure, especially airports.
We do not, at this time, have that study that was done by the hamlet.
If we can actually get a copy of that for us to review, it would be great.
Once the feasibility study report is available to our community, I will ask them to give copies to the minister and his officials.
If that report is given, it will probably be put on the shelf or file and start collecting dust.
Once we are able to give a copy to your department for the feasibility study, we urge your department to review it so that Pond Inlet and others could benefit from that.
Should the Mary River mine project get the green light, Baffinland stated that Mary River will not become a city if the mining continues and that it would be just a work camp. If it’s going to be just a work camp, perhaps we can provide some service to the mine from Pond Inlet.
There could be economic opportunities.
If we had a proper runway, Pond Inlet would become a gateway for the High Arctic communities because of that tie in with Mary River. Pond Inlet is also the gateway to the Sirmilik National Park.
We believe and know that these are very good reasons.
I would like to urge the minister and his officials, once I am able to get a copy of the feasibility study and provide the copy to your department, to review the document with care so that I’ll be able to ask questions later on.
Although I didn’t hear a question, Minister Taptuna, if you would like respond to that comment.
Just quickly, Mr. Chairman, it’s not the Nunavut government that determines the hub of a region; it’s the airlines that do that, depending on the amount of economic activity that’s associated with a community.
So with a mine possibly opening there, it’s a good possibility that things will start looking up. We’re going into partnerships with building better infrastructure within the community of Pond Inlet and I appreciate that.
Once we get the report, we will certainly look into that.
I know that we will need more time to review the department.
Chairman (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor and the motion is not debatable.
The member made a motion to report progress to the Speaker.
Minister Taptuna, I thank you and your officials for appearing before the committee.
I will now rise to report progress to our Speaker.
Mr. Tapardjuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee has been considering Bill 15 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress.
A reminder that a special meeting of the Full Caucus will take place in the Chamber tomorrow starting at ten o’clock in the morning.
Representatives of the Nutrition North Canada Advisory Board and the federal Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development will be making a presentation and taking questions from members at this meeting.
The meeting will be televised across Nunavut and the public is invited to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the visitors’ gallery.
In accordance with Motion 15 – 3(3), this House stands adjourned until Wednesday, October 26, at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Pages 1307 – 1374
Opening Prayer 1307
Ministers’ Statements 1307
Members’ Statements 1311
Returns to Oral Questions 1315
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1316
Oral Questions 1317
Tabling of Documents 1332
First Reading of Bills 1334
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1334
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1373
Orders of the Day 1373
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 1307
083 – 3(3): Fuel Price Reductions for 2011 (Kusugak) 1307
084 – 3(3): Status of Nunavut’s Mining and Mineral Exploration Industry (Taptuna) 1308
085 – 3(3): Support for Adult Learning (Aariak) 1308
086 – 3(3): Nunavut’s New Food Guide (Curley) 1309
087 – 3(3): Record Returns for Nunavut’s Fur Sector (Shewchuk) 1310
088 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Grants and Contributions Annual Report (Arreak) 1311
129 – 3(3): Addressing Mental Health (Aupaluktuq) 1311
130 – 3(3): Disposal of Old Air Terminal Building in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt) 1312
131 – 3(3): Movement in the High Arctic (Elliott) 1312
132 – 3(3): Thirty High School Graduates of Rankin Inlet (Kusugak) 1313
133 – 3(3): Happy Birthday to Daughter (Arreak) 1314
134 – 3(3): Government of Canada Scrapping Long Gun Registry (Curley) 1314
Return to Oral Question 139 – 3(3): Search and Rescue in Nunavut (Kusugak) 1315
Return to Oral Question 158 – 3(3): Emergency Preparedness at Nunavut Health Centres (Curley) 1316
191 – 3(3): Process for Resolving Concerns about Health Care Service Delivery (Tapardjuk) 1317
192 – 3(3): Administration of the NNI Policy (Ugyuk) 1320
193 – 3(3): Preparing Grade 12 Students for Post Secondary (Ningeongan) 1322
194 – 3(3): Concerns with the Administration of Justice (Enook) 1325
195 – 3(3): Update on School Closure at Pangnirtung (Oshutapik) 1328
196 – 3(3): Hunters’ Inability to Sell Narwhal Tusks (Elliott) 1329
197 – 3(3): Casual Employment in the Government of Nunavut (Ell) 1330
106 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Culture, Language, Elders and Youth Grants and Contributions Annual Report (Arreak) 1332
107 – 3(3): Report on Current State of Solid Waste Management and Facilities in Nunavut and Cost-Benefit Analysis of Selected Solid Waste Management Approaches (Kusugak) 1332
108 – 3(3): 2009-2010 Annual Report on the Operation of the Medical Care Plan (Curley) 1332
109 – 3(3): Nunavut Report on Comparable Health Indicators 2011 (Curley) 1332
110 – 3(3): Report Respecting Benefits Paid to Ministers under the Ministerial Benefits Policies for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2011 (Aariak) 1333
111 – 3(3): Article: Impact of the International Arctic SAR Agreement (Elliott) 1333
112 – 3(3): Report on the Indemnities, Allowances, Expenses and Absences to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2011 (Speaker) 1333
113 – 3(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and from Meetings of Committees and Caucuses to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for the Period Ended June 30, 2011 (Speaker) 1333
114 – 3(3): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and from Meetings of Committees and Caucuses to the Members of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2011 (Speaker) 1333
115 – 3(3): Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act (Speaker) 1333
Bill 22 – An Act Respecting the Constituencies of Nunavut – First Reading 1334
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Economic Development and Transportation – Consideration in Committee 1334
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Health and Social Services – Consideration in Committee 1335
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 1352
Bill 15 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2012-2013 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 1362
Before we get started, I would like to ask Mr. Ningeongan to lead us off with a prayer, please.
Moving on in the Orders of the Day, Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 083 – 3(3): Fuel Price Reductions for 2011 (Kusugak)
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to announce today that the Government of Nunavut will be reducing the price of gasoline…
…and home heating fuel once again for Nunavummiut.
These cost savings are being passed on as a result of the practice of the early purchase of petroleum products.
The government initiated this practice in order to take advantage of price fluctuations when and if they occur.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in 2011, the Government of Nunavut pre-purchased 73 million litres of fuel for this year’s annual resupply.
This represents 50 percent of Nunavut’s diesel and gasoline requirements.
As a result of this initiative, a reduction of 10 cents per litre for gasoline and a reduction of 5 cents per litre for home heating fuel which will take effect on November 1, 2011.
Mr. Speaker, there will be a corresponding increase of 10 cents per litre for jet A1 fuel.
Mr. Speaker, when we can maintain or lower the price, we will.
This practice exemplifies the commitment of our government to supporting strong viable communities in the face of the ever increasing high cost of living.
Minister’s Statement 084 – 3(3): Status of Nunavut’s Mining and Mineral Exploration Industry (Taptuna)
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak again on the leading sector in Nunavut’s economy, mining and mineral exploration, and to highlight some of the accomplishments of 2011.
Mineral exploration remains strong, with expenditures expected to approach $400 million.
Ongoing and new mine construction is adding approximately $200 million, with the main activity occurring at Meadowbank and Hope Bay.
Significant exploration work continues on the Hope Bay, Meliadine, Chidliak, and Mary River projects.
Peregrine Diamonds has recorded another encouraging exploration season at Chidliak and expects to significantly increase its activity next year as they move into bulk sampling of the larger diamond-bearing kimberlites.
A healthy number of new exploration projects have started up this year, mainly targeting gold and iron ore occurrences.
Mr. Speaker, Baffinland is currently undergoing a technical review of its draft environmental impact statement for the Mary River project and has applied to the Nunavut Impact Review Board for approval of pre-development work next summer to allow them to stage critical material on site in anticipation of construction beginning in 2013.
For a long time, we have relied on the public sector as the main driver of our economy. This has been a stable and reliable footing, but it is unable to provide the economic base to ensure widespread prosperity for our growing population.
A dynamic mining sector will help build the infrastructure and the human skills base we will need heading into the future.
Mr. Speaker, as a government, we have a role to play.
It is not a central role but it is an essential supporting role. We must maintain a modern, even-handed, and predictable business environment to continue to attract investment. We must continue to support our regulatory agencies so that they can do the thorough oversight we demand.
We will continue to invest in the basic geological research we need to uncover new areas of mineral potential.
Mr. Speaker, we must continue to provide the specialized training and educational opportunities Nunavummiut need and we must encourage our youth not simply to stay in school but to work hard and excel because the opportunities for this new generation will far exceed those our generation has known.
Minister’s Statement 085 – 3(3): Support for Adult Learning (Aariak)
Hon. Eva Aariak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Over the past several years, the Department of Education has been working to act on the recommendations made in the Nunavut Adult Learning Strategy.
One key recommendation was to improve career development services.
The department has undergone a reorganization to create the Career Development Services Division.
Establishing a new division with a director of career development services and adult special projects will help us coordinate policy development and service delivery more effectively to better serve the needs of adult learners.
The Career Development Services Division will give us the structure needed to provide direction for adult learning services so we can better meet the Tamapta priorities of improving education and training outcomes.
Uqaqtittijii, this division will work with field staff to ensure that the highest quality of client service delivery related to career development is established and maintained.
The creation of the Career Development Services Division has been accomplished through financial restructuring within the department.
To stay within our departmental budget, we will be implementing a project-based approach to the work that needs to be done.
The director of career development services and adult special projects is in place and the process of staffing the support positions has begun.
Uqaqtittijii, the creation of the Career Development Services Division is an important step in support of our goal to link all Nunavummiut, including adult learners, with the programs and services they need to progress through education and training and into employment. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Minister’s Statement 086 – 3(3): Nunavut’s New Food Guide (Curley)
Hon. Tagak Curley (interpretation): Good afternoon, people of Rankin Inlet and everyone from Nunavut who is listening.
Mr. Speaker, to help people make healthy eating choices within their financial means, the Department of Health and Social Services has made pivotal changes to the Nunavut Food Guide.
The new guide more strongly emphasizes the health benefits of country food, the importance of learning more about them from our elders, and the value of sharing country foods with young children.
It also provides guidance on choosing healthy store-bought food.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the guide, which is expected to arrive in communities at the end of the month, is a nutrition education tool used across Nunavut by health professionals, educators, and community health workers.
These individuals will be participating in training sessions related to the new guide and then sharing the information with residents both young and old.
Other nutrition education tools which will be released this year include cooking recipes, videos, and guides for community workers who host cooking classes, in-store food tasting, and meal bag programs.
Mr. Speaker, poverty and food insecurity are key determinants of health and nutrition education is just one part of my department’s work to address these important issues.
Health and Social Services has been working closely with the anti-poverty secretariat, leading work and dialogue around the important issue of food insecurity.
Two key poverty reduction investments led by my department are focused on breakfast programs and parenting programming.
On these and other initiatives, we are committed to working closely with other departments to have a meaningful impact on the important issues of poverty and food insecurity.
During the break, Mr. Speaker, today we will be officially launching the food guide and I would like to invite colleagues to join me then and enjoy some country food. (interpretation) Thank you.
Minister responsible for the Department of Environment, Minister Shewchuk.
Minister’s Statement 087 – 3(3): Record Returns for Nunavut’s Fur Sector (Shewchuk)
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Thank you and good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
I am pleased to bring to my colleagues’ attention the current strength of Nunavut’s fur industry, in particular, the strong demand for Nunavut’s long fur species.
The Fur Harvesters Auction in North Bay held four auctions in the winter and spring of 2011.
Nunavut furs were offered on each of these sales, grossing over $812,000 in sales for Nunavut hunters and trappers.
In other words, 2010-11 was the most profitable year for the fur harvesting industry since the creation of the territory.
These profits were driven by an international market demand for polar bear hides which has never been stronger.
Cleaned and dried polar bear pelts are consistently selling for an average of $5000 and the very best pelts are selling for over $10,000.
Prices for fox, wolf, and wolverine are also very good and are expected to remain so for the upcoming season.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, the prices for Nunavut sealskins remain low on the international market, but the Department of Environment has made significant progress in making dressed sealskins available to Nunavut residents through a productive partnership with the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association, including holding Iqaluit’s first ever sealskin and fur sale this summer.
Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work to ensure that good market opportunities remain available for the hunters and trappers whose harvest is vital to the survival of our communities.
Minister’s Statement 088 – 3(3): 2010-2011 Grants and Contributions Annual Report (Arreak)
Good afternoon, the people of Clyde River, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Nunavut.
Hi Jimmy.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth recognizes the importance of providing Nunavummiut with information about its grants and contributions programs.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth has an annual grants and contribution budget of $9.1 million.
Nunavummiut have a vested interest and my department recognizes the importance of sharing information.
One way of sharing this information is through the preparation and dissemination of annual program reports.
The 2010-11 grants and contributions annual report provides a detailed overview of the program activity and presents regional and community summaries of funding awarded under each of the grant and contribution programs.
Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling the 2010-11 Culture, Language, Elders and Youth’s grants and contributions report at the appropriate time.
Member’s Statement 129 – 3(3): Addressing Mental Health (Aupaluktuq)
I rise today to add my voice to those who are asking our government to provide more resources and supports to address mental health issues across our territory.
Mr. Speaker, the lack of full-time social workers, the lack of mental health workers, and the limited number of alcohol and drug workers in our communities leaves many residents without the necessary support to enable them to address the issues affecting their lives.
Mr. Speaker, the community of Baker Lake is extremely fortunate in having the Tunganiq Addiction Project to provide counselling and advice to individuals who wish to address substance abuse problems.
However, the project requires assistance in addressing management and administration issues.
In my view, the government should be prepared to provide the necessary support.
Mr. Speaker, in every community, there are dedicated and hard-working individuals who give selflessly of themselves to provide support and assistance to others.
Within the sphere of public services, the roles played by these individuals are often taken for granted.
Mr. Speaker, our government needs to make greater efforts to identify where additional support and assistance could be provided.
Mr. Speaker, it is not enough to have implementation plans, action plans, and strategies. Those words have to be converted into action on the ground.
Mr. Speaker, I call upon the government to fully assess the types and levels of mental health services that are being offered across Nunavut’s communities and consider offering support in order that organizations and individuals can continue helping those in need.
Members’ Statements. Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Member’s Statement 130 – 3(3): Disposal of Old Air Terminal Building in Sanikiluaq (Rumbolt)
I rise today to address an outstanding issue in the community of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, shortly after I was elected to the Legislative Assembly, I wrote to the Department of Economic Development and Transportation in order to ask that the old airport terminal building in the community be disposed of.
Mr. Speaker, before Sanikiluaq received its new airport terminal building, the former facility had experienced a number of electrical fires and other maintenance issues.
Although the municipality subsequently used the building for cold storage, this space is no longer required and the building has become a hazard during the winter season.
Mr. Speaker, when I conveyed this information to the government in the summer of 2009, I was pleased at the prompt and positive reply that I received.
However, Mr. Speaker, we are now only a few short weeks away from the year 2012 and the old airport terminal building is still right where it was.
Mr. Speaker, it seems that it’s sometimes easier to build new buildings than it is to remove the old ones.
Mr. Speaker, it’s my understanding that responsibility for this disposal process has been transferred to the Department of Community and Government Services. While I understand that nothing happens overnight, especially in government, it has been frustrating to see what appears to be a straightforward issue taking so long to resolve.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to join with my colleagues who have been addressing the issue of improving the flow of information from the government to MLAs and municipalities.
I urge the department to provide regular updates to my community on the status of this outstanding issue.
Member’s Statement 131 – 3(3): Movement in the High Arctic (Elliott)
I rise today to address the issues of the high cost of living and transportation in the High Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to say today that there has been movement on these issues since we took office in the fall of 2008.
Mr. Speaker, before a problem can be solved, it must first be recognized and understood.
Over the past three years, there has been significantly greater awareness of the challenges facing my constituents in Grise Fiord, Resolute Bay, and Arctic Bay.
The annual sovereignty exercises in the High Arctic have brought national attention to the strategic importance of our communities and the contribution that they make to our nation.
The federal government’s recent apology for the High Arctic relocations has helped to reconcile the painful legacy of the past with the promise of the future.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents face challenges on a daily basis. Food and shelter are the most fundamental human needs. The time that we as MLAs have devoted over the past year to the federal Nutrition North Canada Program has helped to focus attention on the importance of meeting the basic needs of our constituents living in the country’s most isolated communities.
Mr. Speaker, the high cost of transportation is an issue without easy solutions.
When I was elected to the Legislative Assembly, I committed to addressing this issue.
I have been pleased that the government has committed resources towards developing a strategy for transportation in the High Arctic and I want to thank the mayors, councillors, and constituents in my three communities who have taken the time to provide important feedback on this initiative.