EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As the government, we are pleased that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has taken these important steps forward, towards more responsive, simple and effective renovation and repair programs.The Corporation will monitor the effects of these changes and will continue its work to develop programming options that meet the needs of Nunavut homeowners.
Speaker (interpretation): Ministers’ statements, Minister Simailak.
Minister’s Statement 027 – 2(2): Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti, Unit Set-up
I am pleased to inform the members today that the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti – or NNI – unit has now taken on new life under the Department of Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
This program responsibility was transferred to my department and over the last several months my officials have been working to create the NNI Secretariat in the department.
The unit will ultimately consist of four staff – one of whom has already been hired and is taking on more and more responsibilities.
Staffing for the other three positions is ongoing and we expect to have the unit fully staffed by the end of the calendar year.
Mr. Speaker, over the next four to eight months, the focus will be on the implementing a database and information collecting processes to enable the unit to carry out monitoring and evaluation mandates.
Further attention will be focused on building rapport with other stakeholders, particularly NTI, and other organizations focused on building skill and delivering trades training.
The overall focus of the NNI Secretariat will be to continually reinforce the NNI policy message to the business community, the public as well as to community governments.
I am very pleased that we are moving forward on this, and meeting our obligations to build a central agency with adequate resources for the purpose of following up on progress and ensuring the consistent application and awareness of the policy.
Minister’s Statement 028 – 2(2): Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma Program
The Department of Human Resources continues to expand professional development opportunities for Government of Nunavut staff.
You may know that Kakivak Association has delivered the Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma Program to several Nunavummiut since January of 2002.
This diploma program is specially co-designed by Saint Mary’s University for the delivery in the North.
I am pleased to announce that we have partnered with Kakivak Association to deliver this opportunity to our Government of Nunavut employees.
This management program consists of ten modules providing “hands-on” experience.
Participants complete group and individual exercises that gives them practical information for immediate application in the workplace.
Participants completing the program will earn a Nunavut Advanced Management Diploma from Saint Mary’s University.
Most importantly, this program adds to the increasing number of made-in-Nunavut training programs to develop effective and professional leaders for the Nunavut Public Service.
Minister’s Statement 029 – 2(2): Early Childhood Development Report 2002-2003
It is my pleasure to table with this House, later today, a report prepared by the Department of Education, on behalf of the Government of Nunavut, that meets our obligations under the Early Childhood Development Agreement signed by provinces and territories in the year 2000.
Our vision for the children of Nunavut is that they be valued and encouraged to develop their unique physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and creative potential. Through the Department of Education, our government supports early childhood development in many, many ways, including:
Licensed daycares that meet standards for programming and safety
Head start program to help children at risk
Start-up funding to help more childcare facilities open, and
Healthy Children initiatives, such as family resource centres, prenatal nutrition and family literacy.
The report also provides baseline information on the early childhood development system in Nunavut, as called for in the Multilateral Agreement on Early Learning and Child Care that the Government of Nunavut signed in March, 2003.
In the period covered by the report, fiscal 2002-03, there were positive trends worth noting.
There was an increase in programs of over 22 percent with four new licensed day cares, three new licensed preschools, one licensed after school and one licensed home day care.
The number of childcare spaces increased by 149 spaces from 2001/2002 to 2002/2003 representing an increase of over 16 percent.
Mr. Speaker, the report outlines the many projects and services offered to young children in Nunavut through the government and the agencies we fund.
It shows how we are moving form a patchwork arrangement of children’s services towards a more organized system that actively supports early childhood development.
The Government of Nunavut spent more than $4 million on early childhood development in 2002-03. this report shows not just how it was spent, but why, and to what effect.
For anyone who works with young children in our territory, it is a worthwhile read and one I would encourage them to make.
Minister’s Statement 030 – 2(2): Peabody–Essex Museum Inuit Art Exhibit
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce to my colleagues that the first official exhibition of the Government of Nunavut’s contemporary art collection will open on November 24th at the Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts.
Entitled Our Land: Contemporary Art from the Arctic the exhibit will run through to January 30th, 2005, and includes over 50 works; sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography and multimedia.
The exhibition is organized around the themes of Inuit cosmology and spirituality, the family, and expressions of time, season and place.
A full-colour, trilingual (Inuktitut, English and French) catalogue has been produced in conjunction with the exhibit, and the museum will be hosting a variety of public programs and events featuring Inuit art and culture.
Mr. Speaker, this exhibition is the product of two years of planning and collaboration between the Department of Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth and the Peabody-Essex Museum, and it forms an integral part of a broader Nunavut – New England cultural and economic development initiative.
This initiative has been coordinated through the office of the Canadian Consul General to New England and also involves partnerships between Nunavut’s Department of Environment, and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated on Nunavut promotion and marketing opportunities in New England.
This exhibition also demonstrates the integral role that Inuit artists, young and old, continue to play in the preservation and celebration of Inuit culture and traditions.
Mr. Speaker, this exhibition uniquely reflects our hopes and dreams for a strong and prosperous Nunavut, and I know that all Nunavummiut can be proud of this exciting achievement.
Member's Statement 051 – 2(2): Kivalliq Annual Sealift Changed
Mr. Alagalak: I rise today to add my voice in support of many residents of the Kivalliq who are speaking out very clearly on the issue of the annual sealift to our communities.
The links between the communities of Kivalliq and the province of Manitoba took many, many years of hard work to establish.
It was through the hard work of the mayors, chamber of commerce, and individual business people that we were able to build an excellent trade, transportation, and economic partnership with Manitoba.
The Kivalliq was shocked when we were told by the Government of Nunavut that our sealift arrangement would be changed.
We did not see how this would benefit us.
Frankly, the Government of Nunavut has been completely unable or unwilling to explain to the people of the Kivalliq region why the change happened.
The government needs to review this matter; we need to re-establish our natural, economic, and trade links with Churchill and other Manitoban communities.
It is time for some common sense.
Member's Statement 052 – 2(2): Kitikmeot Trade Show
I am very pleased to rise today and inform the House that Cambridge Bay will host the 2005 Kitikmeot trade show from February 14 to 17, 2005.
The Kitikmeot is home to some of Nunavut’s hardest working businesspeople.
Some of the members of the business community are large and dynamic corporations with assets in the millions.
Some are small-scale entrepreneurs who design and produce traditional clothing.
Others build on our connection with the land by working as skilled guides and outfitters in the tourism and sport hunting sectors.
The Kitikmeot trade show was established in 2000 as an event to highlight the business and investment opportunities in the Kitikmeot and to provide an important venue in which contacts and introductions can be made between our business community, potential partners, and investors.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, the trade show allows youth and elders to interact with the business delegates to learn more about their products and services.
For youth, this is a good chance for them to think about perhaps starting a business themselves some day.
Many members have spoken in the House during session about fostering a better climate for business in Nunavut.
I agree, and I think it’s important that we make it clear to our young people that there are options out there other than becoming yet another cog in the bureaucratic machine as known as the Government of Nunavut.
I don’t believe that the goal of Nunavut was to create entire generation of paper shufflers.
We need to help our youth gain the skills to create businesses and jobs, to grow the wealth of our territory, to bring opportunities home.
In most parts of Canada, it is a common knowledge that businesses create most of the jobs and wealth that sustain our generous and well-regarded social safety net.
Recently, date released by Statistics Canada revealed that in 2000, Nunavut’s economy suffered a 7.6 percent drop in its economic growth rate.
A negative growth rate does not bode well for our future if this trend continues.
It is well known, Mr. Speaker, that an overdependence on all levels of government to provide jobs creates an artificial economy.
When any government runs up a deficit, they must look at cut backs and one of the first things they review is the elimination of jobs.
The loss of jobs is hard on families and communities.  It is important that the government support our fledgling business sector with easily accessible start-up capital and tax incentives.
It is important that all levels of government review the negative impact that some of the policies or taxes or levies will have on businesses.
Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
There are no nays; Mr. Peterson, proceed.
It is critical that the government of Nunavut takes the message to Ottawa and the provinces, and sustains that message, that Nunavut is a vital partner in Canada and that we need their support and investments to develop our economy.
It’s very reassuring, Mr. Speaker, that the Government of Nunavut has stated that the economy is going to be a priority for this term.
However, Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words.
Kitikmeot trade show organizers were elated that the Premier and the Minister of Department of Economic Development and Transportation both accepted the invitations to attend the trade show.
Their participation sends a strong message to delegates and investors alike that the Kitikmeot is, as we all like to say back home, open for business.
We all look forward to their visit in February.
Member's Statement 053 – 2(2): Additional Funding for Alcohol and Drug Committees
I rise today to talk about community alcohol committees.
In my two constituencies, they’ve been requesting to get an alcohol and drug committee.
They want to do education about alcohol and drug abuse, as we hear that 90 percent of the time, alcohol is involved in crimes that are committed.
If the alcohol and drug committee had more training programs, community residents would be more aware of the abuse.
It would be ideal to get additional funding for alcohol and drug committees in Nunavut.
Members' statements, Mr. Barnabas.
Member's Statement 054 – 2(2): Infrastructure Plans for Arctic Bay
I have devoted many hours, undertaken several initiatives, and made a number of presentations in this House to move forward one very important issue for the community of Arctic Bay.
I was extremely pleased to see that these efforts have achieved a significant result.
A new health centre for Arctic Bay has finally appeared on the government’s capital plan.
I rise today to thank the Minister of Health and Social Services for giving due consideration to the difficult working conditions suffered by the health staff in Arctic Bay.
Mr. Speaker, during our last session you will recall that I tabled a number of photographs that revealed the decaying physical condition of the Arctic Bay health centre and the overcrowded working conditions.
During my terms of office in this Assembly and the last, and even before division, I raised this issue on many occasions.
I am very pleased that the members of this House recognized the desperate need for a health centre in Arctic Bay and supported my community.
When the 2005-06 capital estimates were brought forward just a few days ago... .
Mr. Speaker, I’m seeking unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues.
I am very pleased that the members of this House recognized the desperate need for a new health centre in Arctic Bay and supported my community.
When the 2005-06 capital estimates were brought forward, it was extremely satisfying to see that the capital plan for the Department Health and Social Services finally includes this essential project.
I would like to let my constituents in Arctic Bay know that it is important that we continue working together as a community to bring forward issues of concern, especially when they seriously affect our health and well-being.
Mr. Speaker, the Minister and the Department of Health and Social Services has taken action on the concerns that were raised: funding has been allocated to this project and planning will soon be initiated.
I will continue to work to have this project moved forward.
My constituents can be assured that I will be keeping a close eye on the progress in this area.
I look forward to the day that the minister and I will stand together and open the doors of the new health centre.
Members' statements, Hon. Ed Picco.
Member's Statement 055 – 2(2): Congratulations to Karen Dunphy
I’d like to inform the House about a young constituent of mine who is involved with a program called Canada World Youth.
Karen Dunphy is presently in Powell River, British Columbia.
She’s working at an elementary school; she assists in the classroom and so far has been involved with raising money for their local food bank and participating in the community gardening project.
Mr. Speaker, Karen will be leaving Powell River shortly for the second stage of her program and travelling to China.
In China, Karen will be the guest of a Chinese family.
Karen is currently learning Chinese and will be there for several months.
In China, Karen will work in a school teaching English and helping the community while sharing the culture of Canada and Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, Karen is a young ambassador for Nunavut and her country.
Join with me in congratulating Karen Dunphy and wishing her much success with Canada World Youth.
Mr. Speaker, I also note that Karen’s brother Nick, right here to your immediate left, is also a page this week here in the Assembly.
Member's Statement 056 – 2(2): City of Iqaluit Feasibility Study
Today I’d like to rise and acknowledge the city of Iqaluit: the mayor and the council and the administration.
As members probably heard on the news yesterday, there was a story about the city revisiting and re-looking at a feasibility study for a deep-sea port here.
I’d like to tip my hat to them and wish them all the best.
I think it’s a lot of foresight on their part to take the lead in a project like this, and I also look forward to continued cooperation and to working with their counterparts in our government.
I’m sure that this is one thing that they can approach any one of the three MLAs here in Iqaluit for support and any assistance.
So, I would like to ask all members to congratulate the city.
Join me in congratulating them on their foresight and for hopefully alleviating some work that needed to be done by a government department.
The Member for Rankin Inlet North, Mr. Curley.
Question 072 – 2(2): Responses to Application of Approval or Denial
I would like to ask a question to the Minister Responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, to try to assist him and support him in the work that his department is doing in regards to yesterday’s discussions that we held.
I would like to give him some more to do.
I would like to thank the minister and his department for the announcement he made through his minister’s statement; it will be very good for the people of Nunavut.
My question is: in my community, there have been a lot of people requesting... .
We were told when we had a meeting in Rankin Inlet that some people who applied to the Nunavut Housing Corporation never hear back from them.
I just wondered whether your employees in Arviat can write to those applicants.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Hon. Peter Kilabuk.
Yes, they can write to them.
This is not the first time that I have heard this problem, that the applicants don’t get any responses.
I will not leave it like this; I will relay the message to my staff in Arviat that they should be responding to the applicants, whether they have been approved or denied.
We wanted to be able to assist those people in Arviat or in Rankin Inlet. If the applicants could then provide a copy to their MLA, as I don’t want to produce the name in the House.
But, I can say that the letter is correct by saying that a regional staff member in Arviat said that even if people have not been approved that the applicant should not be responded to or given notice of whether they have been denied or approved.
I would like you to tell your president of the Nunavut Housing Corporation that this is not the right way to do things.
I agree with the member, and I would like to assure the member that as the Minister Responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, I will relay this message to our staff in Arviat.
To make a clarification about my minister’s statement, they will be reviewed in April and we will find out in April whether the procedure will be followed or not.
Question 073 – 2(2): Board of Directors Overseeing Evaluation of Bonuses
Last May the previous minister made a ministers’ statement indicating that the board of directors had stuck an audit committee to review all the finances and oversee all the finances for the corporation.
Also in the ministers’ statement, there was a section that indicated that the corporation was going to be consistent with the government and that the excessive management bonuses regime would be eliminated.
Mr. Speaker, also in relation to that topic, the Auditor General’s report, chapter 6 of her report, which is devoted entirely to the power corporation, indicated that the annual objective of reviewing evaluations on bonuses did not take into account how well the corporation was doing financially.
I’d just like to ask the minister if that has been added to what the board looks at in deciding whether or how much management bonuses are paid out to its employees.
Speaker (interpretation): Minister for the Power Corporation, Hon. Ed Picco.
As a result of Ms. Fraser’s report that we received, as the member was pointing out just this past spring, in April I believe, in 2004, based on the 2003 operating year she did the raise the issue around the bonuses.
Those were carried over from the Northwest Territories Power Corporation into the Nunavut Power Corporation.
As Hon. David Simailak said in his statement at that time, those excessive bonuses have been eliminated, and indeed the process now for senior managers of the corporation is to follow the... . The Power Corporation board of directors has adopted the Government of Nunavut Excluded Employees Handbook.
So, those employees now follow the Government of Nunavut excluded handbook rules, regulations, and processes that are in place for all senior managers within the Government of Nunavut, and in this case, now, the Power Corporation.
I knew that, but what I was asking, and let me just repeat it to the minister, is: is one of the factors that is taken into consideration in deciding on the bonuses... . Does it include how well the corporation is doing financially, or is that something that isn’t taken into consideration when deciding on the bonuses?
In the past performance evaluations, it was called at-risk pay, at that time.
The at-risk pay was based on the performance of the employee, the individual; it wasn’t based on the overall performance of the corporation.
Indeed, Mr. Speaker, the rules and regulations set down by the GN Excluded Employees Handbook is what is in place right now, and that handbook outlines any type of incentive bonus that is put in place for senior employees of the government, for example assistant deputy ministers or deputy ministers.
So, that’s the process that is being carried out now.
It’s not based on how the corporation itself is doing on the bottom line, it’s based on the Government of Nunavut Excluded Employees Handbook, which has been adopted by the corporation.
I’d like to thank the minister for clarifying that.
I’m sure that the minister is aware that in the Auditor General’s report they pointed out that there was $670,000 paid out in the first two years in bonuses, and I understand they range from 15-33 percent of income.
But given that it has changed to follow the guidelines outlined in the excluded employees handbook, can the minister explain if the requirement to pay those out is something that is part the employee’s contract?
Or is it just something that is stuck in the handbook as an extra benefit?
The contractual obligations that are outlined within the GN Excluded Employees Handbook outline what those incentives would be and the amounts, if there are any.
I do know that in the case of all government departments’ senior civil positions, for example, assistant deputy ministers and deputy ministers, there is a bonus scale.
That is reviewed by the Senior Personnel Secretariat of the government, and it’s my understanding that is what in place right now for the corporation.
The bonuses that were paid out previously... . I could go through the scenario of why that had occurred and so on for the members, but I don’t want to delay the House.
So, in conclusion and very quickly, the GN excluded handbook is in place right now.
The senior staff with the departments or with the corporation follow the rules and regulations as outlined by the GN excluded handbook, as well as the processes that are in place from the Senior Personnel Secretariat of the government.
So, I think it’s pretty safe to say that what we have seen in the past is not occurring today or in the future.
I just want to inform the minister that the reason I am asking this that a resident of Iqaluit got ahold of me over the weekend and told me that they knew someone who worked for the Power Corporation and had got paid a bonus.
He was asking me: why are they getting a bonus and we are having to pay more?
So, if it is a contractual obligation under their employment contract, that’s why. I am glad that answer is out there and that the minister explained that.
But, given the fact that those bonuses were just paid out last Friday to Power Corporation employees, the process that it follows, does the minister see that or sign off on that, or is it approved by the audit committee of the board of directors?
And how much was paid out in bonuses this year?
Speaker: Hon. Ed Picco.
The reasoning of the bonuses was, as I thought I said earlier, they were called at-risk pay for the employees.
I was not aware as minister that they were actually paying this out.