EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
In the legislation we have, in our Education Act, we have provisions relating to the local district education authority’s mandate if a school closure results in students missing too many days, as they can review the school year to determine if they can make up the lost school days.
They have that ability which is written into the legislation and it is quite clear when that review would kick in.
Additionally, with respect to the total number of school days in the school year, it is generally set at 190 days and that is the maximum number of days.
Let’s remember that that number is the highest number of school days in Canada and our school days can reach that maximum number in a school year.
Further, in addition to the number of school days, when the administration is calculating the total number for the upcoming school year, they also set aside specific days allotted to severe weather closures or unplanned school closures.
The number of school days also includes a specified amount of school closure days set aside for unplanned school closures during the school year as part of their planning cycle.
Now, our department is grateful to the community of Baker Lake, as they were able to provide facilities for classes, such as their community centre, from September 30 to October 9. The community centre was set aside for the student body enrolled in junior high and senior high classes.
These include the grades 6, 7, 8, and 9 for junior high and grades 10, 11, and 12 for senior high classes.
We are very appreciative to the community for providing the space, as they set aside the hall for this purpose.
Also, as per my earlier statement, the district education authority has the authority to add more school days if the number of lost school days passes their allotment. They have the authority to change the number of school days.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We are fortunate enough that Baker Lake has a community hall that was large enough to accommodate the number of students that needed to be relocated until the school could be used again.
I am fully aware of when they did return back to the school, which was October 20, on our travel day back here to the Assembly.
A number of community events had to be delayed while the space was being used. Can the minister describe whether his department considers such options as portable classrooms when schools are closed for extended periods of time?
With respect to school closures anywhere in Nunavut, our officials look for alternative spaces that can be utilized for this purpose by working with the local governments.
Now, with respect to a specific school, perhaps I’ll make this comparison with the school in Repulse Bay, where the size of the school has led us to use portable classrooms due to the lack of space to house our students.
That situation doesn’t exist in Baker Lake. We haven’t considered that option due to the fact that we have been able to return the students to their school.
At this time, we aren’t looking into installing portable classrooms.
It was very nice to hear that he recognized that there were no portable classes available in Baker Lake, as he just stated.
It is clear that the need for a new school in Baker Lake is more critical than the minister was aware.
Will the minister commit to bringing Baker Lake’s new school project forward in his department’s next capital plan?
Now, Baker Lake isn’t the only community identified for a new school in the 2016-17 business plan.
There are other communities on that list that require funding for their schools.
In reviewing the capital planning process, it is too cumbersome to change them. Additionally, we cannot immediately change our plans with new requests. This capital planning process is followed because it is part of our governance.
What I can state is that the new school construction will commence in Baker Lake, Arviat, and Igloolik.
These are the communities identified for school replacement and it is obvious that these will proceed. Nevertheless, the only thing I can’t speak to is the completion date.
I can’t state that a project can be moved from one fiscal year capital plan to the following year, as this is under the capital planning process, which is a part of our government operations.
I can only respond with that.
Member for Iqaluit- Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes.
Question 251 – 4(2): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Hickes)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the minister tabled the Fuel Tax Rebate Program Summary Report for 2012-13 and 2013-14.
Mr. Speaker, recently, I was invited to participate at QIA’s AGM. One concern that was brought up then and from a number of individuals to me over the past year is the cost of fuel for hunters and harvesters.
While I acknowledge that fuel prices have not increased this year, the concern remains about the cost of harvesting for our families and our communities.
Mr. Speaker, in the tabled report, it talks about that in the last two fiscal years, a little over $1,200 was approved under this program, impacting nine harvesters or hunters across the territory.
Mr. Speaker, I think it is pretty clear that we have a lot more hunters and harvesters in this territory working to feed their families and communities.
I’m wondering what the Department of Finance is doing to increase access to this program.
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Hickes, for pointing that out.
Not very many people actually read that report. It’s interesting that, over the years, almost 99 percent of the funding has gone to mining companies. You would think that the harvesters would access it more.
We have done more in the last couple of years to advertise and promote the program, but the simple fact of the matter is that there are just not that many people availing themselves of the program.
We are working internally to see if we can find an easier method for harvesters to access the program.
One of the facts that it states on here is a program highlight that in June of this year, the GN sent a letter to harvesters and outfitters who had previously applied to this rebate to encourage them to continue use of the program.
I think the numbers show that, while that letter is directed to people who are aware of the program, there is obviously a lack of communication or a lack of advertising to the general populace on how this program can benefit by alleviating some of the fuel costs.
What is the department going to be doing over the next year to access that market?
I believe, in our business plan, we outlined that our department is going to undertake a comprehensive review of our tax programs. This will be one of the programs we are reviewing to see if there is a way to make it easier for harvesters to access.
I have no explanation of why they are not applying for the program, whether it is not enough publicity, whether we could be working closely with the community economic development officers, the paperwork is too onerous, or they’re losing receipts. These are things we will have to look at.
I am hoping at this time, for the benefit of the viewing audience and the people who pay attention to the proceedings in the House, if the minister can give a summary of how somebody could apply to access this program and which office do they contact.
I believe that information is on the Government of Nunavut’s Finance website. I believe the information can be accessed through government liaison officers in the communities where they are. I believe there is information that is sent out to community economic development officers.
There are a number of ways that people should be able to access the program.
Question 252 – 4(2): Assistance for Seniors (Hickes)
Mr. Hickes: I feel very blessed, Mr. Speaker. I get to stand up three times.
I was planning on asking this question tomorrow, but I’ve got most of the information here.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my question to the Minister responsible for Family Services.
Earlier this year, I spoke to different federal programs and the level of funding, recognizing that a significantly higher cost of living here in Nunavut for a lot of our seniors who are receiving assistance under federal programs.
At that time, there was a written response to one of my colleagues, Mr. Sammurtok, saying, and I quote, “Initiating such change through dialogue with our federal government would require consultation and involvement of several GN departments.”
Mr. Speaker, in the minister’s response at that time, she stated that she was going to be speaking to some of her counterparts, specifically with the Minister of Finance, and developing a strategy to speak to her federal government counterparts to recognize the higher cost of living for our seniors in the territory of Nunavut.
Can I get an update on that progress?
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member as well for his question on seniors’ benefits.
The Department of Family Services collaborates with the Department of Finance on these benefits as part of this review of benefits and this is scheduled for completion in the fiscal year 2015. They are still meeting to resolve the issues surrounding seniors’ benefits.
That is all I can respond with.
Maybe the minister could describe a little bit more detail in what has been occurring and what the discussions of those meetings have been entailing.
Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for requesting further details on the issues that they are meeting over.
As we all know, the federal government has changed the seniors’ benefits in the upcoming years as part of the increase in the retirement age, which will impact many residents.
The group is reviewing these types of issues and the benefits that are part of the subsidies program. The Department of Family Services is now aware of the actual cost of food and the cost of living in Nunavut. They discuss these types of issues in those meetings.
I recognize that the Government of Nunavut is assisting our seniors with some subsidies.
One thing I’m not hearing in the response is the discussions that need to occur with the Government of Canada to recognize that the cost of living is significantly higher here in Nunavut in comparison to the rest of the country. Can I get a little bit further clarity from the minister on the anticipation of how that dialogue with the federal government is or will be occurring?
I’ll be able to provide a detailed response. (interpretation ends) I’ll take it as notice.
Question 253 – 4(2): Fuel Tax Rebate Program (Joanasie)
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to ask more on the fuel tax rebate towards the Minister of Finance along the lines of what Mr. Hickes was asking.
Just to clarify, is there a limit on the amount that the person or individual can apply for this rebate?
Is it a limit per person?
Mr. Speaker, I don’t believe there is a limit.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Also, the minister indicated that there is going to be a comprehensive review of the tax programs.
I share the same sentiments as Mr. Hickes in that I think more harvesters and people participating in traditional activities can really benefit from this program.
If the minister commit to working with, for example, the HTAs and HTOs in the communities to maximize this program, can he commit to that?
As I indicated to Mr. Hickes, we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the program against the policy intents.
Obviously, if you read the report, most of the money is going to mining companies, whether they’re in exploration, development, or production.
We all know that harvesters in our territories and all of our communities are contributing significantly to our communities. We obviously want to show that we can help them offset the high costs of undertaking the harvesting activities that they do.
We will work with the outfitters and hunters and trappers organizations in Nunavut to help us understand the needs of the harvesters and also promote the program.
In addition to that, I also noticed here that for the eligibility, it states that for quarrying purposes, people trying to obtain soapstone… .
As I’ve stated today in the House about Cape Dorset being renowned for our carvings and our art, there are a number of individuals in my constituency that go out to quarry soapstone.
I would like to get the minister to commit to do an outreach to those individuals in order for them to benefit from this rebate program.
On the application form, there is a box that an individual can tick off saying, “I am an individual. I engage in quarrying.”
We will again undertake to promote the program to them. If Mr. Joanasie has information for Cape Dorset on how we can promote the program in his community, it would be greatly appreciated.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Members will note that the time for question period has expired and we will proceed to Item 7. Item 7.
Committee Report 004 – 4(2): Report on the Review of the 2012-2013 Annual Report of the Languages Commissioner of Nunavut (Hickes)
I rise today to present the report of the Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts on its review of the Languages Commissioner’s 2012-13 annual report to the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, the Languages Commissioner’s 2012-13 annual report was tabled in the House on May 22, 2014.
The standing committee held its hearing on the Languages Commissioner’s 2012-13 annual report on September 22, 2014.
The hearing was open to the public and news media to observe and was broadcast on local radio, cable, and satellite television.
The proceedings were interpreted in all official languages.
Transcripts from the hearing are being produced in all official languages for posting on the Legislative Assembly’s website.
Mr. Speaker, during its hearing, the standing committee raised a number of concerns in relation to the activities of both the Office of the Languages Commissioner and the Government of Nunavut.
Accordingly, the standing committee has directed a number of its recommendations to the Languages Commissioner, while others are directed to the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time to highlight the thematic areas that are addressed in the standing committee’s report:
*See Appendix for full text of Committee Report 4 – 4(2).
The standing committee’s report notes that the Languages Commissioner must lead by example and provide the highest quality of services that her office expects of all other offices and organizations.
During the standing committee’s recent hearing, the Languages Commissioner raised a number of concerns in relation to the government’s language services, hiring practices, transparency, and annual reporting.
In its report, the standing committee addresses a number of concerns in relation to the Languages Commissioner’s own responsibilities in these areas.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to note for the record that the standing committee was disappointed that the Languages Commissioner failed to produce an Inuit language translation of her own opening comments during our recent hearing.
The standing committee notes that the Languages Commissioner recently signed an open letter to the Premier of Nunavut concerning the issue of Inuit employment within the public service.
The standing committee’s report includes a recommendation that the Languages Commissioner be mindful that her formal reports to the Legislative Assembly are the most appropriate and effective means of raising concerns and making recommendations to the government.
The standing committee also notes that the Languages Commissioner recently hired an employee for her office by way of direct appointment.
In its report, the standing committee encourages the Languages Commissioner to practice fair hiring practice and to fill vacant positions in her office through competitive hiring processes to the greatest extent possible.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to emphasize that the standing committee maintains the view that the Office of the Languages Commissioner must lead by example as it works to meet and monitor statutory obligations, exercise fair hiring practices, utilize appropriate mechanisms to fulfill its mandate, and provide transparency through detailed and comprehensive reporting.
Mr. Speaker, the standing committee’s report notes the importance of monitoring the government’s compliance with section 12 of the Inuit Language Protection Act, which provides individuals with the right to use the Inuit language when applying for positions and working in the public service. The standing committee’s report makes recommendations to the Languages Commissioner in this area.
The standing committee’s report notes the importance of monitoring municipal governments’ compliance with section 6 of the Inuit Language Protection Act and subsection 12(8) of the Official Languages Act.
These sections require municipalities to provide language services to the public. The standing committee’s report makes recommendations to the Languages Commissioner in this area.
Mr. Speaker, the standing committee’s report notes the importance of monitoring the status of language services provided by federal departments, agencies, and federally regulated entities. The standing committee’s report makes recommendations to the Languages Commissioner in this area as well.
The standing committee’s report notes the importance of establishing policies, procedures, and guidelines to provide direction for government offices as they work to meet their statutory obligations under Nunavut’s official legislation. The standing committee’s report makes recommendations to the Government of Nunavut in this area.
The standing committee’s report notes the importance of bringing all sections of Nunavut’s official language legislation into force.
Subsection 12(7)(c) of the Official Languages Act and sections 3 through 5 and 9 through 10 of the Inuit Language Protection Act are not yet in force.
Mr. Speaker, once all sections of Nunavut’s official language legislation are in force, third party contractors and private sector organizations will be required to meet their respective language obligations.
The government will also be required to establish Inuit language programs for early childhood education and adult education.
The standing committee’s report makes recommendations to the government in this area.
Mr. Speaker, the standing committee also notes that the Minister of Languages is required to table annual reports under the Inuit Language Protection Act and the Official Languages Act, and encourages the minister to table these reports in a timely manner.
Mr. Speaker, I would note for the record that the standing committee is requesting that the government provide a comprehensive response to recommendations #5 and #6 of this report, pursuant to Rule 91(5) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Reports of Standing and Special Committees on Bills and Other Matters.
Mr. Hickes. (interpretation) I’m sorry.
Mr. Joe Savikataaq.
Committee Report 005 – 4(2): Bill 5, Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014 (Savikataaq)
I wish to report that Bill 5, Write-off of Assets Act, 2013-2014, was reviewed by the Standing Committee on Legislation and that the bill is ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Bill 5 will be put on the order paper on Friday, October 31.
I had forgotten a portion at the end of my briefing.
I would request that the statement I just read be received and recorded into the record as read.
Tabled Document 045 – 4(2): 2015-2016 Planned Construction and Land Acquisition and Development Report (Kuksuk)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table the 2015-16 Planned Construction and Land Acquisition and Development Report for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
Tabled Document 046 – 4(2): Conditions of Government Offices in Resolute Bay (Shooyook)
Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank you. I am finally at the appropriate agenda item.
I wish to table a photograph which shows the bad conditions at the government offices in the community of Resolute Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I hope the government will look into this situation and address it as soon as possible.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Item 14.
Bills 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 with Mr. Mikkungwak in the Chair.
In accordance with the authority provided to me by Motion 11 – 4(2), the committee will report itself out.
>>House resumed at 15:27 and Committee resumed at 15:52
Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak) (interpretation): Good day to the people of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
I would now like to call the committee meeting to order. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: (interpretation ends) Bills 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9. What is the wish of the committee?
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon.
Mr. Chairman, we wish to continue with the review of the capital appropriation of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, followed by the Department of Community and Government Services and, if time permits, the Department of Health.
Are we in agreement that we continue with the review of the capital estimates for the Nunavut Housing Corporation?
Chairman (interpretation): Does the committee agree to bring in Minister Kuksuk’s witnesses?
For the record, Mr. Kuksuk, please introduce your witnesses.
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I say “good day” to my fellow Nunavummiut and Arviarmiut.
With me today to my right is Lori Kimball, (interpretation ends) President of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, and to my left, Tim Brown, Manager of Policy and Planning.
I would like to remind my colleagues that we were on page L-3.
Following my list of names, the first one will be Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would just like to continue with a few more questions from what I was questioning yesterday in regard to public housing allocations.
Yesterday, the department stated that they have “expanded the waitlist to include those with arrears to ensure that we capture the full extent” to which is a need in each community.
You have changed the communities for 2015-16 that will receive public housing, yet according to your website, NHC’s Nunavut housing allocation system, your methodology for allocating units has not been updated since September 9 of 2013.
Can you explain why this document is not updated when you’re making changes to the system?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Perhaps it is unfortunate if the website hasn’t been updated, but what I can tell the member is that I will task our departmental officials to update the website. Perhaps this is due to their workload or maybe just an oversight of the staff.
Nonetheless, I will task my officials to look into this matter of updating the website to reflect the situation today and to include recent decisions of the Assembly.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I go back to the tabled document I talked about yesterday from March of 2014, which is where you tabled your preplanning construction and land acquisition development for public housing and staff housing, for that matter, back then, you stated where public housing would go for 2015-16.
Now, yesterday, you stated that you will be “distributing the 2015-16 Projected Construction Report,” which you only tabled today.
What was the delay in getting this new document to us and why are we only receiving it the day after we start deliberations on the budget?
This could be due to a myriad of reasons that cause the delay, but earlier today, I made a statement that for the fiscal year 2015-16, this was part of our future construction plans.
Since I can’t respond to this question about the exact cause of the delay and why it was only provided today, if I had the information, I would provide the answer.