EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
This question addressed to me was asked by Mr. Paul Okalik, Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, No. 247 – 4(3), yesterday on March 9, 2016 and I would like make a correction to my prior response.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I would like to clarify; yesterday, I stated that we have 67 percent of our residents in Nunavut who are on income support. The correction I want to make is that the number is 43 percent and not 67 percent who are on income support.
I rarely get to exercise my privilege and I am very pleased for this opportunity to recognize an individual. Firstly, I say “good day” to the residents of Baker Lake and Nunavut.
I would like to welcome to the Assembly Basil Quinangnaaq, who is a member of the HTO in Baker Lake and the Baker Lake District Education Authority’s vice-chairperson. Welcome to the House.
Question 252 – 4(3): Housing Issues in Gjoa Haven (Akoak)
Good afternoon to Uqhuqtuurmiut. (interpretation) To the people of Taloyoak, I’m thinking of you today.
Mr. Speaker, as the MLA for Gjoa Haven, I was very pleased to have voted last fall for new funding to support the construction of five new public housing units and five new staff housing units in the community of Gjoa Haven during the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal year.
For the benefit of my constituents who are watching today’s proceedings, can the minister explain how the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s current allocation system determined that Gjoa Haven is to receive five new public housing units and five new staff housing units?
Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. George Hickes.
I thank the member for raising this question because it’s a very important one across the whole territory.
When the housing corporation takes a look at the current needs in a community in which to base its allocation on, the first thing we look at is waiting lists. One of the things that I have been trying to get the message out across the territory is how important it is for people to put their name on the waiting list.
With the severe shortage of housing that we have across the territory, it can be kind of disheartening. Sometimes people spend years on the waiting list, but I can’t stress the importance enough to have everyone’s name on the waiting list so that we can get a true valuation of the amount of people who are currently in need of housing.
This is for a couple of different reasons; for us to assist with our allocations to make sure that we’re dealing with it with up-to-date information.
In addition to that, it actually gives us, as a territory, a full picture of how dire our housing need really is so that we can continue to lobby for continued support.
With the allocation in Gjoa Haven, those factors were taken into consideration. Another factor, if I may add, Mr. Speaker, is when we do construction projects in a community, we do try to piggyback staff housing and public housing opportunities to get maximum economic benefit and to put as many units in our communities as we can on a yearly basis.
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the minister for the brief explanation.
As the MLA for Gjoa Haven, I recognize the importance of ensuring that the government has accurate and up-to-date numbers concerning housing needs in all of our communities.
Mr. Speaker, this information is necessary to ensuring that the Nunavut Housing Corporation can determine how many new units are required in each community.
Mr. Speaker, I have been working with my community’s LHO to encourage residents to make their housing needs known to the local housing organization.
Can the minister confirm when the Nunavut Housing Corporation plans to conduct its next Nunavut-wide housing needs survey?
I thank the member for one, encouraging members of his community to make sure that those who are deserving to be on the waiting list and the needs list in the community put their names on it. I encourage all Members in this House to speak to their constituents to make sure that their constituents have their name on the waiting list.
With regard to the needs survey, that survey was done in the past and we currently keep on top of data that we collect from the LHOs, this being one of them, the amount of people who are on the waiting list.
I would encourage members to continue with that practice.
We do follow with the reporting structure and the information that is provided from each LHO so that we keep up-to-date data.
In addition to that, we’re currently working on the blueprint for action to assist us in implementing the housing strategy for Nunavut. At this time, we’re not anticipating putting out another needs survey until that report is completed, and then we will re-evaluate the situation.
As the minister is well aware, I have spoken about the issues of overcrowding and homelessness on many occasions in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I am aware of many situations in Gjoa Haven where residents do not have a home of their home and have to couch surf or find other places to sleep on a night-to-night basis.
There are a lot of examples, even in the summertime.
I have heard of a resident having to sleep in a truck. That’s one example.
From the perspective of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, can the minister clearly explain whether or not people in these circumstances are considered homeless?
I thank the member for keeping bringing this issue forward.
There are different definitions. There is no one sheer definition of homelessness in Nunavut. Defining homelessness will require a lot more research than we have done to date and to identify the various causes and situations that lead to homelessness.
With the Nunavut Housing Needs Survey that the brought up in his first supplementary, which was brought out in 2010, the definition that we used at that time in each community was identifying the number of people who did not have a usual home and were temporarily living in another person’s dwelling.
With that description, those people that the member mentioned would fall into our category of homeless.
Question 253 – 4(3): Protection Measures for Caribou in Nunavut (Sammurtok, T)
Prior to asking my questions, I wish to provide a brief preamble.
From the time I first recalled events as I was growing up, our diet mainly consisted of caribou meat and that was what I grew up largely eating.
Freshly caught caribou meat eaten raw or summer cached meat, cooked meat, and frozen meat, we ate caribou in all these forms as I was growing up.
Caribou is of prime importance to me, especially when discussing caribou.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I asked the minister what the government’s position is concerning the issue of identifying caribou post-calving grounds as protected areas under the Nunavut Land Use Plan.
In response, the minister stated that “the Government of Nunavut supports responsible development within calving grounds and key access corridors, and these will be on a case-by-case basis.”
Can the minister define the government’s interpretation of responsible development and explain what specific research is involved in responsible development?
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for providing that background.
As he was listing the various forms of caribou meat he consumed, my mouth was starting to water in desire.
He pretty much listed the main ways that caribou is consumed by Inuit, which I have experienced myself growing up.
Caribou is definitely of huge importance to the people of Nunavut. We know that with caribou, when tracks can be seen on the land, it is a pleasant experience to spot tracks, even when one isn’t really looking for caribou.
It’s actually a bonus to find the caribou.
With respect to the question the member asked, there will be developers interested in Nunavut. We already have quite a number working on a number of developments in Nunavut.
To practise responsible development, one has to take into consideration the entire ecosystem in the vicinity of your project, including the animals and the land.
That is the meaning behind the phrase “responsible development.”
Careful stewardship and protection of the environment inhabited by caribou and plants are the basis for ensuring that we keep responsible development at the forefront.
Also, we want to ensure that the environment isn’t unduly damaged by development.
Thank you and I hope my response is sufficiently clear. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) On Monday, March 7, 2016, the minister also stated that “migration routes would be carefully reviewed by the government” and that “as the lands in Nunavut are being planned out for the access corridors, this is another avenue for the Nunavut government to enact further protection measures.”
Can the minister describe in detail the specific protection measures that will be put into place to protect caribou calving and post-calving grounds?
I will just kind of briefly put the meaning in what protection means.
It means protection measures designated in calving grounds and corridors to assure that industry does not interfere with high concentrations of caribou.
Mr. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yesterday, I tabled a letter from the Kivalliq Wildlife Management Board, which had been addressed on March 7, 2016 to all Members of the Legislative Assembly.
In this letter, the president of the Kivalliq Wildlife Board indicates that, and I quote, “I previously wrote to the Premiere and Minister of Environment, requesting that they work with Kivalliq HTOs and the KWB on the issue of caribou habitat protection.
I had hoped that the Government of Nunavut would consider Kivalliq HTO perspectives on land use planning, and consult with us on any policy changes and decisions.”
Can the minister describe the steps that he takes to consult with local HTOs and regional wildlife boards prior to making any decisions concerning wildlife protection measures and land use planning in Nunavut?
Yes, I have a copy of this letter and we are developing a response to the contents.
Now, with respect to the land use planning process in Nunavut, the process is ongoing at this time. It is coordinated by the Nunavut Planning Commission to develop land use plans throughout Nunavut.
This process is mandated as the responsibility of NPC.
I want it understood that all the organizations throughout our territory that have an interest in the uses of the land have the capability to submit their concerns personally to the Nunavut Planning Commission.
This applies to any individual or organization or any other group that may have concerns about the land. In that manner as well, just like the government submits their concerns, every other person can do the same in this process.
With the process laid out for land use planning and NPC’s roles and responsibilities, all of these are outlined in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and they are the Institution of Public Government (IPG) that is named.
We are just another party in front of NPC as the Nunavut government
Perhaps to illustrate the point, the Kivalliq region has one of the most active mining sectors currently, with gold now the focus, but other minerals are being explored.
Some of the initial projects are now up and running with a mine also operating.
There have been several wildlife-related issues that our government has identified as wanting to proceed with, which is in line with the land use plan and current practices.
Question 254 – 4(3): Housing Construction (Rumbolt)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions today to the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s most recent annual report indicates that the corporation is, and I quote, “continuing to review other options for more energy efficient and economical solutions for the construction of housing.”
Can the minister indicate whether or not the Nunavut Housing Corporation has already used or is considering using modular homes as part of its public housing or staff housing construction plans?
I thank the member for bringing that question up.
The use of modular homes is something we have looked at in the past and we’re still examining ways to see how it could benefit in reducing the costs and providing more homes across the territory at the community level.
There are a number of different factors that we have to consider.
Shipping costs on those types of units are a lot more expensive than just simply materials. Our apprentices and contractors in our communities get less exposure to construction methods. There are many different factors that we take into consideration when we’re looking at the use of conventional stick build versus modular style housing.
It is something that we are continuously looking at and I have had fairly recent meetings with my staff on discussing different options of using modular components.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is currently tendering a new staff housing duplex that will be constructed in Sanikiluaq during the 2016-17 fiscal year.
I note that the minimum level of Inuit labour on this project is 45 percent.
Mr. Speaker, this means jobs and training opportunities for my constituents.
Can the minister describe how the Nunavut Housing Corporation enforces its minimum Inuit labour content requirements on staff housing and public housing construction projects?
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I thank the member for bringing attention to that issue.
Any time we’re doing construction in the community, we try to involve local labour and local contractors, whether it would be through subcontracting. Part of the tender process sets out expected Inuit employment percentages and levels within the contract itself. In addition to that, we have fairly severe penalties for contractors that don’t need meet those thresholds.
When it comes to housing design and construction, it is important to recognize that there are always trade-offs. I have heard concerns that while the use of modular housing units would be cheaper, thereby allowing more units to be constructed, they require less manpower, thereby decreasing local employment and training opportunities.
In which direction is the minister leaning on this issue?
The member nailed it right on the head.
It’s a balancing act between getting as many units on the ground as we can with the limited dollars we have, but we also have to take into consideration the skills needed for construction and the local labour and our apprentices getting the hours that they need to fulfill their apprenticeship obligations to become Red Seal carpenters, oil burner mechanics, the list goes on, plumbers, electricians, any number of trades that are involved with housing construction.
I wouldn’t say I’m leaning any way at this moment, Mr. Speaker.
It’s something that I’m continuously analyzing with my staff. At the end of the day, along with my cabinet colleagues, we will be doing the best we can for Nunavummiut.
I’m standing straight up.
Oral Questions. Member for Netsilik, Mr. Emiliano Qirngnuq.
Question 255 – 4(3): Recording Traditional Law (Qirngnuq)
First of all, I say “good day” to my colleagues, ministers, and the residents of Kugaaruk. Residents of Taloyoak, I share in your sorrow today.
My questions today are for the Acting Minister of Culture and Heritage.
I believe that we need to record and preserve the knowledge of the elders concerning traditional or customary Inuit law.
Mr. Speaker, the current business plan for the Department of Culture and Heritage indicates that one of the department’s future priorities for the 2018-19 fiscal year is to, and I quote, “Create a book of Customary Laws collected by the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit.”
Mr. Speaker, can the minister indicate what resources will be provided to the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit to accomplish this important project?
The Acting Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Mike.
Indeed, the Inuktitut language and his comments in particular are protected through legislation via the Inuit Language Protection Act. To further explain, the official languages used in Nunavut are also protected. We have continued to make progress up to today.
With regard to our Inuit language protection measures, we have started to define these parameters. This government is managing this requirement, particularly the Department of Culture and Heritage, in collaboration with organizations established for this field. We have made progress.
Within our business plan for 2016-19, which is set for a four-year period, it will result in expenditures of funds, obviously.
For this reason, the government has identified an annual budget of approximately $5 million.
Additionally, our federal Government of Canada also has jurisdiction over official languages. That is how we have managed this file to date.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Can the minister clarify whether or not the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit has already started collecting the information that will be published by the department?
Speaker (interpretation): The Acting Minister of Culture and Heritage, Mr. Mike.
I will have to look into how much work has been done to date by the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit. I will have to look into his question.
There are 10 members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and there are 25 communities in Nunavut.
Will members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit be travelling to other communities as part of this project?
I will have to look into that as well to get an update. I want an update myself as to what has been happening in order to answer his question.
He mentioned the fact that there are ten board members. I would like to know if he is asking how many members there are supposed to be on the board.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Qirngnuq, please clarify your question.
Yes, there are 10 members of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit and there are 25 communities in Nunavut.
That’s what I’m referring to.
I will have to check into the Inuit language and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit.
I will have to look into this, as I said, to see how the board was put together and ask to see if the number of board members can be changed or increased.
Question 256 – 4(3): Repatriating Nunavut Elders (Angnakak)
(interpretation ends) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Family Services also.
Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues are all aware, I feel very strongly that Nunavummiut who require continuing care should be kept at home in Nunavut where they can be looked after in the best possible environment.
Can the minister provide an update on how often his department re-evaluates the status of clients who are receiving continuing care services in the south with a view to repatriating them back home to Nunavut?
The Acting Minister of Family Services, Mr. Mike.
As acting minister, I will really have to get back to the MLA about this question in order to be able to answer the question properly.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The minister has taken this as notice. I shall move to the next member. (interpretation) Oral Questions.
Question 257 – 4(3): RFP for Banking Services (Joanasie)
Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Finance.
Yesterday, I spoke about the needs of our smaller communities in such areas as airport infrastructure. My questions today will focus on the need to encourage the expansion of other types of services that will help support a sustainable future for all of our communities, large and small, to make sure they are sustainable.
As the minister will be aware, his department recently issued a request for proposals for banking services.
I was pleased to note that the RFP states that, and I quote, “the GN would like to expand and maximize the level of banking services available to residents of Nunavut, especially in the communities [and] hamlets where physical banking operations do not exist.”
Can the minister describe what types of proposals his department is hoping to receive in this area from banks and other institutions that are bidding for the government’s business?
I thank Mr. Joanasie for speaking up for small communities.
Listening to his question had started me thinking and I hope I don’t date myself, but I remember back in the mid-70s in Cambridge Bay, we lobbied then for a bank and we got CIBC fly-in/fly-out banking service, which eventually went out of business, but I still have the sign.
For the archives, I found the sign at the garbage dump.
Years later, our community lobbied for several banks and we eventually got the Royal Bank of Canada opened in Cambridge Bay in 1996.
It’s good to lobby for banking services in your communities.
In this particular case, this RFP that we put out in February, we hope to make a decision by some time later this year. It’s for major banking services for the Government of Nunavut and it’s required.
In that RFP, we asked the banks to outline how they could expand and provide services in the smaller communities where people live and work.
We’re hoping to hear back from them, perhaps, on how they can.
I don’t want to tell them what to put in their proposals, but more visits to the communities, perhaps online banking, direct deposits, and whatever they think fits in their business model that can improve banking for our smaller communities.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I thank the minister for that response.
We have recently learned that the government is leaning towards restructuring its Fuel Tax Rebate Program to focus on supporting companies during the initial phases of mineral exploration and development.
Can the minister indicate what types of tax incentives or other mechanisms he is considering to encourage the expansion of banking and financial services to our smaller communities?
The Government of Nunavut does an awful lot of business on daily, monthly, and annual bases. We have a tremendous amount of money that flows through bank accounts and trust accounts.
Of course, banks make money off all that, so I’m not offering tax breaks.
I would certainly hope that any proponent that chooses to bid on the proposal would consider that there’s competition out there. There is more than one bank in Canada.
If they’re competitive, they will look at what kind of deposits that the Government of Nunavut has. All that information is in the RFP and they have some very smart people working at banks, so you would think they would possibly sharpen their pencils, get out their calculators, and figure out how they can offer the best proposal that would increase their level of banking services in our smaller communities.
The government’s RFP for banking services closes on April 15.
Will the minister commit to reporting back to the House during the spring sitting on the results of this process, including the commitments the successful proponent has made regarding the provision of community banking and financial services?
I again thank Mr. Joanasie for the question.
I don’t like to make commitments. There is a contracting procurement process, there’s an evaluation process, and I have to let our people do that.
I have full confidence in their ability to evaluate proposals and recommend or award to the successful proponent.
In due time, the information will be available when the contract is awarded.
Question 258 – 4(3): Country Food Distribution Program (Okalik)
I have a question for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation.
There was an announcement by her department about the need to support harvesters and how current assistance funding is used. From what I know, the funding that communities can get is limited to $20,000 per annum.
The only way for harvesters to benefit from that is through community hunts to be shared with fellow residents.
I would like to ask the minister for an update on the status of the current support program.
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I think he’s asking about the (interpretation ends) Country Food Distribution Program (interpretation) for the communities.
This program is tailored to each community.