EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, the residents of Baker Lake are very grateful to the hard-working staff who care for our community’s elders.
Can the minister describe what role his department plays in ensuring that training is provided to all staff at the elders’ hospice?
Mr. Speaker, yes, in all communities of Nunavut, we have elders who require assistance.
I recall in September 2004, we had a Full Caucus retreat in Arviat. One of our priorities was to put a continuing care facility in every community in Nunavut.
Unfortunately we have only been able to build, in the last government and this government, two continuing care facilities, one in Igloolik and one in Gjoa Haven. I understand they are providing excellent 24/7 care to folks who utilize them.
Mr. Speaker, the hospice in Baker Lake provides valuable services to the elders of Baker Lake. I believe, as I mentioned earlier, they receive support from our regional staff.
If they require assistance, I don’t believe there’s any issue with our officials going into the community and working with the hospice to train staff.
I understand that there’s a concern right now that some of the positions are vacant. We encourage them to recruit and fill those positions.
If they require training, I’m sure our officials can work with the hospice to provide that training.
I would like to see those positions filled to ensure that adequate care is being provided with respect and sensitivity to our elders.
I would encourage the hon. minister and his staff to do some posting as well as recruiting to ensure that we have the adequate positions filled.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that the community of Baker Lake be confident that the programs and services delivered by elders’ hospices are adequate and appropriate, and that the facility itself is in good condition.
Can the minister indicate if his department performs periodic inspections of elders’ hospices in Nunavut?
As a matter of fact, officials from our Kivalliq office were recently in Baker Lake and they met with the contractor to discuss services at the hospice. I understand that there’s no issue with the level of care for the elders who are there. I believe there are six.
With respect to periodic visits, I believe there’s a contractual requirement that our officials will or could drop by when necessary.
I want to assure the people of Baker Lake that the hospice’s operations are a high priority. We want to ensure that we provide a high level of care for the elders who use that facility.
No doubt the contractors are giving and administering to the best of their abilities and resources, and we are thankful for that, as in all departments and all sensitive care of Nunavummiut and their well-being, there are always never enough resources.
I want to ask: it is also important that the community has confidence in the transparency and accountability of the hospice’s management.
Can the minister explain what the reporting requirements are for the boards of directors of such facilities, if there are such entities, such as contractors, that are administering for the care and well-being of our elders?
I don’t have the specific details of the reporting requirements for the board.
Of course, the board of directors being independent of the government, they will have their own governance structure. Contractually, they would have to provide annual audited statements and reports of the services that they provide to the people who use the facility. We require a certain level of services to be provided to the individuals who use the facility, so, of course, we would want to ensure that that’s provided.
As I mentioned, if we have any concerns with the hospice, our people in the Kivalliq region can go to Baker Lake to inspect the facility if there are any concerns or issues. If the current operators of the facility or owners of the facility wish to discuss with the Government of Nunavut about, perhaps, turning the facility over to the Government of Nunavut, I think that we would be willing to listen as well.
Question 479 – 3(3): Improving Services for Children (Ugyuk)
I have really noted members who have shaven their beards and moustaches.
They look much better and some of them are so “Ooh!”
We will be going home pretty soon. I would like the people of the Kitikmeot to participate in these fundraising activities for cancer, but (interpretation ends) I want to get down to business.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Health and Social Services, like you don’t have enough questions today.
Mr. Speaker, earlier in my Member’s Statement, I spoke of the need to improve for children and youth across Nunavut.
Can the minister provide an update on his department’s review of the Child and Family Services Act?
I think you have everybody wondering who is who now.
I’m one of the individuals. I’m only partially shaved. I’m growing a moustache here, so in another week or so, I’ll be walking around incognito in Nunavut.
Nobody will be able to recognize me if they’re angry with me. It’s for a good cause, Movember, prostate cancer. So I encourage everybody, while I have this opportunity, to donate to those individuals who are raising money across Nunavut for Movember.
Mr. Speaker, with respect to Ms. Ugyuk’s question, one of the big initiatives we talked about in the House already is creating the standalone Department of Family Services that would be responsible for children, youth, and family programs and services.
Under that department, of course, we would have the Child and Family Services Act. That Act is currently progressing along.
There was the Knowledge Forum, then the Child Welfare League of Canada consultations, and then the Office of the Auditor General’s report that was tabled last year in the House which provided some great information about the issues affecting our children.
So we are making good progress.
I hope that on April 1, 2013, when the department begins, they will be able to move forward with that legislation and continue the good work that has already been going on for the last couple of years with consultations, internal reviews, and the legislative proposal process.
I also thank the minister. (interpretation ends) Can the minister advise this House when he will be bringing forward a bill to amend or replace the current Child and Family Services Act and what major changes will be proposed?
Minister responsible for the Department of Heath and Social Services, Minister Peterson.
We are currently working on the legislative proposal that we will be bringing forward to cabinet.
I anticipate that we will be making some minor amendments and changes in practice going forward.
It’s my hope and belief that the new Department of Family Services can take that legislation on and continue the major proposal and move it through the process.  I’m getting a little tongue-tied here; it must be the moustache or something.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation ends) It has been recognized by many that the current system and legislation is not doing the best job of providing services to children and families across Nunavut.
Can the minister clarify why it is taking so long to address this much needed issue?
Minister responsible for Department of Health and Social Services, Minister Peterson.
I’m not sure if I can clarify.
A lot of work has gone into this legislation and reviewing it.
As I said earlier, there’s the Child Welfare League of Canada. There’s also the Auditor General’s report. There was a Knowledge Forum.
My predecessor did a lot of good work on that, bringing people forward. The department has to review the legislation.
They also have to develop a legislative proposal; extensive consultations through the legislative process. It’s a very complicated process to ensure that it’s done right and that it will suit Nunavut.
I thank the minister for his response (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, NTI has made a strong statement regarding the need for the government to improve services for children in care.
Can the minister explain how he works with major stakeholders across Nunavut to address these issues?
I thank NTI for their support and their motions.
Mr. Speaker, I recall when we were first elected in November 2008, one of the first things we did was we flew to Cambridge Bay. NTI was having their AGM there. We talked about partnerships, the Government of Nunavut, NTI, and other organizations in Nunavut, on major issues.
We do, indeed, consult with NTI on major legislation.
A recent example is the Family Support Orders Enforcement Act.
This will be a piece of legislation that we would certainly have them involved in. We look forward to input and advice.
Question 480 – 3(3): Funding to Improve Pangnirtung Arena (Oshutapik)
As we are aware in Nunavut, there are many communities that are now using the hockey arenas, but in my community, it’s very difficult to put water in there because it can’t freeze up and turns into mud.
It’s having a negative impact on our youth and all the youth in our community are anxious to get the arena open and they are hoping to get it open by December.
If it doesn’t freeze again in December, we can only use it by the end of January.
For that reason, I would like to directly ask the minister; after hearing about the communities opening their arenas after they were renovated.
Can the minister or his department state if they have already assessed the arena in Pangnirtung?
I understand the member’s question very clearly.
The north is feeling climate change and the lakes would have been frozen by now and they take longer to freeze with climate change.
We started dealing and working with our arenas to make sure that we can utilize them sooner.
We have heard a few days ago in Coral Harbour that they can’t use their arena unless they have artificial ice.
We have seen that and experienced that in Coral Harbour, Arviat, and Sanikiluaq. It’s becoming evident that with artificial ice, they can use the arena earlier.
We would like to see artificial ice installed in all the hockey arenas in Nunavut communities.
It’s impossible to work on them all at the same time.
We wanted to work on the arena in Pangnirtung.
I can tell the Member for Pangnirtung that we will be making a proposal for additional funds so that we can get artificial ice in two or three communities, but they will have to wait until next year.
Pangnirtung is one of the communities on the priority list.
I know that you didn’t say that we are at the top of the list, but we will expect that.
I want the minister to be aware that ever since artificial ice equipment was used, there are buildings in our communities that had tried to utilize the artificial ice.
Although they have thermosiphon, the floors are not level and there’s a problem.
If we have no choice, we would like to use artificial ice rather than thermosiphon. We can accept the thermosiphon, but we’re requesting artificial ice.
Following the seasons, it would slow the people who use the arena.
Are you considering putting artificial ice rather than thermosiphon for Pangnirtung?
If we use the artificial ice, it’s going to be more expensive.
They would have to put in concrete, which is totally different from the thermosiphon, but we can look into it.
I cannot tell you to start expecting artificial ice.
We are looking into it. In the communities where we have put in thermosiphon, they seem to be working out really well.
For the artificial ice, it would be more expensive, but we can look into it. I cannot tell you that that’s exactly what we will be using.
I thank the minister for his response, although I was expecting to hear that we will get artificial ice.
Also, in the community hamlet councils and the recreation committee, they have an opportunity to do fundraising as long as they will be utilizing the funds until next year.
If we do fundraise, will the government commit to provide matching funds?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Yes, I almost said you won’t be getting… .
I’m just teasing.
Mr. Speaker, the funding is always inadequate for sports and recreation. There has never been sufficient funding that’s geared towards this.
When the communities want to initiate something on their own, they shouldn’t be waiting for the government. When the communities initiate their fundraising, we feel for them and we urge them, and it becomes easier to get funding from the government.
With the fundraising, the sports and recreation funding can be stretched further.
We have seen that in Pond Inlet. They built a baseball diamond and they did fundraising. That also has occurred in Coral Harbour, and we wanted to provide support to them for a youth centre.
For Rankin Inlet’s baseball diamond, they do their own fundraising. We feel encouraged to provide support for them.
At least you’re providing better expectations to the youth in our community.
When we ask a question and get the appropriate answer, at least we accept the little piece of information that we receive any time.
My last question is: how many communities have artificial ice?
If you’re asking about artificial ice equipment, in Iqaluit, there are two and one in Rankin Inlet.
I don’t know of any communities that have artificial ice equipment.
I think there are six or seven using thermosiphon and for new arenas, they include that in there.
I hope I got the answer you were looking for, Mr. Speaker.
Question 481 – 3(3): Activities of the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (Curley)
My questions today are for the Minister responsible for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission and I would like to get a response.
In August of this year, the WSCC published a new Traffic Control Person Code of Practice.
This document contains detailed information to help ensure safety on job sites, including construction sites.
This code relates to sections on traffic control and flagpersons in Nunavut’s General Safety Regulations.
Can the minister indicate if this new code of practice is currently being enforced in Nunavut?
The regulations and codes have to be abided by any workplace or within the vicinity of a workplace.
These are general safety guidelines that are provided to companies that are required to follow them, Mr. Speaker.
I would like to thank the people who work in by-law because they are to enforce the code.
As the minister is well aware, construction season is in full swing across Nunavut. I have seen with my own eyes some potentially dangerous practices on construction sites with respect to traffic control, parking of construction vehicles, and other matters.
Can the minister indicate how frequently the WSCC inspects construction sites to ensure compliance with all applicable safety codes and rules?
I understand the member’s question. We usually see all the construction going on and they never stop, not just here in Iqaluit, I am sure.
Construction sites are very hard to access through and they’re right close to the bus stop.
According to my knowledge, the inspectors inspect the construction sites without the expectation and knowledge of the construction workers or company.
Thank you for the answer from the minister.
I am aware that the WSCC offers safety training and courses for employers in Nunavut, which includes safety rules of the construction site.
Can the minister indicate whether safety training and courses are being offered? If so, have they met in Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit or taken training on safety rules? The workers have to understand them.
What I’m trying to ask is: how many courses are being offered?
The safety of the worksite is very important and it’s also nice to see some businesses abiding by the rules to keep the worksite safe.
Our workers, inspectors do go inspect these construction sites to make sure that they are working in a safe place. If the staff needs training on safety issues, we can arrange that.
Question 482 – 3(3): Status of Decentralization Action Plan (Enook)
I thought I was going to run out of time.
Mr. Speaker, on June 5 of this year, the minister tabled the Government of Nunavut’s Decentralization Action Plan.
This document indicates that one of the government’s key goals is to, and I quote, “continue to situate at least 60% of all public service jobs outside of Iqaluit.”
Mr. Speaker, my reading of this sentence is that the government is providing itself with wiggle room to move some decentralized positions out of some communities, so long as the overall figures across Nunavut remain the same.
Can the minister assure me that not a single decentralized position will be moved out of Pond Inlet, yes or no?
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the question.
We have no plans in job positions to be moved from Pond Inlet and nothing has changed.
Since we are talking about decentralization, it will be at least 60 percent. If a position is to be transferred, it has to be first approved. If a position will be transferred, then there has to be agreement on what position will be sent to that community and cabinet has to approve these changes.
These changes can’t be done arbitrarily.
Within the Government of Nunavut’s Decentralization Action Plan, it indicates that one of the government’s priorities is to, and I quote, “find a way to ensure that the positions outside of Iqaluit get staffed and that government staff are able to connect with the communities they live and work in.”
Can the minister indicate what specific actions are being taken by the government to fill vacant decentralized positions in the community of Pond Inlet?
This Decentralized Action Plan that the member is referring to was tabled on June 5, 2012 in the Legislative Assembly.
It includes 29 recommendations for implementation, and I want to mention a few of them. Perhaps I should read them in English.
(interpretation ends) Improve structures and support for a decentralized public service; building capacity and capabilities to deliver programs and services; addressing the issues at risk; decentralized functions; promoting Inuit employment; and practising Inuit societal values.
(interpretation) These recommendations are examples of how to improve the employees in the communities, especially if training is required or if there needs to be improvements made related to their employment practices. That is how we understand these recommendations.
The Government of Nunavut’s Decentralization Action Plan indicates that one of the government’s goals is to, and I quote, “increase flexibility in HR processes in order to staff positions more efficiently and encourage local hiring.”
Can the minister indicate what specific actions have been taken by the government to accomplish this?
Currently, with respect to Pond Inlet, there are more senior positions filled, with about 57 management level employees in Pond Inlet, at CG&S, they have 31 staff in these positions, at Economic Development and Transportation, they have 8 staff, 17 within the Department of Education, and 1 position at Justice.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, it is recognized that by focusing on some of the issues that my colleague mentioned, the GN will be able to achieve objectives for improving decentralization and to bringing decisions closer to Nunavummiut.
It is also recognized that in the four categories, communities, communication, strengthening…(inaudible)…and capacity building, we will help achieve the underlying change in how Nunavummiut and government itself view decentralization as a functioning model of governance.
The change in the way we operate will improve our ability to enhance employment, training, and career development opportunities for local residents, strengthening and diversifying local economies, and improve the relationship between Nunavummiut and the GN. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Also under the Decentralization Action Plan, it indicates that one of the government’s goals is to, and I quote, “engage municipalities in implementing parts of the Decentralization Action Plan.”
Can the minister tell me if her officials have formally met with the municipal council of Pond Inlet within the last three months to discuss the status of decentralization in Pond Inlet and, if not, will she commit to having them do so before the end of this calendar year?
Minister responsible for Department of Human Resource, Minister Ell.
In March 2011, the review of decentralization was conducted for the continuing efforts to strengthen the public service as part of the commitment to Tamapta: Building Our Future Together.
As part of this, consultations were taking place. Consultants met with a total of 94 GN personnel in departments and agencies from all levels, frontline workers to executives, in order to get a good sample of communities with decentralized offices.
They also visited the communities of Arviat, Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, and Pond Inlet.
Yes, Mr. Speaker, to answer my colleague, they did go to Pond Inlet, and in those communities, they met with both staff and mayors.
However, mayors in all of the decentralized communities were also invited to respond to a survey that was conducted.
Written Question 020 – 3(3): Government of Nunavut’s Staff Housing and Public Housing Units Equipped with Hurricane Strapping (Enook)
I have three written questions that I would like to produce.
I have a written question to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation concerning staff housing and public housing units.
Broken down by community and type of unit, how many Government of Nunavut staff housing units and public housing units have been equipped with hurricane straps?
Broken down by category of expenditure, what have been the total costs to date associated with equipping hurricane straps to Government of Nunavut staff housing and public housing units?
Does the Nunavut Housing Corporation plan to equip every Government of Nunavut staff housing and/or public housing unit with hurricane straps and, if so, how many additional staff housing and public housing units require hurricane strapping?
What is the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s timeline for equipping additional staff housing and/or public housing units with hurricane strapping?
What are the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s guidelines and/or criteria for determining whether staff housing and/or public housing units require hurricane strapping?
Do members agree that they be entered into the record as read?
Written Question 021 – 3(3): Status of Decentralization (Enook)
I have a written question today for the Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs concerning the issue of decentralization.
The question is very detailed, so I ask that it be entered into the record as read.
Expressing the data in a comparable format to that which is contained in the tables on pages 137, 140, 143, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 151, and 153 of the report titled “A Functional Review of Decentralization” (Tabled Document 153 – 3(3)), what is the status of decentralization in Pond Inlet as of November 5, 2012?
The member is again asking that the question be entered into the record as read.
Speaker: It shall be entered in right after the last one.
Written Question 022 – 3(3): Allocation of Conservation Officers (Enook)
Mr. Enook: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I have a written question today for the Minister of Environment concerning the issue of allocation of conservation officers.
Broken down by community and rank of conservation officer, how many conservation officers are currently employed by the Government of Nunavut?
With respect to communities that are allocated more than one conservation officer, what are the department’s guidelines and/or criteria for determining the allocation of additional conservation officers for the community?
With respect to communities that are allocated one conservation officer, what are the Department of Environment’s guidelines and practices to ensure continuity of service in circumstances where the conservation officer is on approved leave?
The member is asking that the question be entered into the record as read. Do members agree?
Speaker: The members have agreed, so it shall be entered into the record as read.
Written Questions. Moving on in our orders of the day.
Item 11: Responses to Petitions*
Response to Petition 003 – 3(3): Petition for Resignation (Clerk)
Further to your ruling, I am tabling the response to Petition 3 – 3(3).