EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Just already, over the short term that I have been the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, we’ve had some excellent ideas and suggestions that have been incorporated into the way we do business coming from members of the committee.
That’s why I appreciate their efforts in helping us, the corporation, to address some of the concerns and issues, as members from their communities know their communities best, and it’s always great to get that valuable input from them.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Lori, who, like I said, is here for the first time in Committee of the Whole. I also wish to send my best wishes to my other two staff who would normally be sitting here with me in Committee of the Whole who aren’t able to be here today.
Again, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, members.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Tootoo and Ms. Kimball. (interpretation) We’re done with that department.
Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the witnesses out.
Chairman (Mr. Schell): I would like to ask Minister Peterson of the Department of Justice to make his opening remarks.
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Justice – Consideration in Committee
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and welcome to your new position. I am very honoured that this is my first appearance before the new Chairman.
Hon. Keith Peterson: I’ll try to make it easy on you.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to present the Department of Justice’s 2010-11 capital estimates. A total amount of $16,900,000 is being allocated for the Department of Justice’s 2010-11 capital estimates.
The majority of capital estimates is allotted for construction of the new men’s correctional facility in Rankin Inlet. Upon construction, this medium- to minimum-security facility will accommodate up to 48 inmates.
The facility’s living unit will contain 32 beds for offenders and there will be an apartment complex with an additional 14 beds to house low-risk offenders.
The construction contract has been awarded and site work has already started.
This new men’s correctional facility will alleviate some overcrowding issues at BCC, which is the Baffin Correctional Centre, and enable offenders from the Kivalliq to serve their sentences closer to home.
The Baffin Correctional Centre (BCC) is our main holding facility for inmates. It is an aging facility that was built in 1986.
This facility has been operating well above capacity for years.
The time has come to assess the future of this facility and its ability to meet our corrections needs. In order to explore options, we have included $300,000 to our capital estimates to commission a comprehensive study of the facility.
This study will examine options of modernizing, replacing, or expanding BCC while estimating the costs for each option.
Finally, you will note that we have included $400,000 for minor capital expenses. These are funds to cover routine capital expenditures that arise over the year, such as the replacement of Corrections vehicles, snowmobiles, and technology, that is necessary for the delivery of programs.
Does the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness have any comments? Please proceed, Mr. Aupaluktuq.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Standing Committee on Social Wellness has reviewed the proposed capital estimates of the Department of Justice for the 2010-11 fiscal year and I am pleased to provide you with the committee's comments.
The department’s capital budget was $17.1 million in the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
Standing committee members note that the department’s proposed capital budget for 2010-11 of $16.9 million is primarily allocated to the ongoing development of the Rankin Inlet Men’s 48-bed Correctional Centre. $300,000 is proposed for the purpose of initiating a new capital project to replace the Baffin Correctional Centre in Iqaluit and $400,000 is allocated for minor capital projects.
Mr. Chairman, members noted a discrepancy between the budgets of the Nunavut Housing Corporation and the Department of Justice with respect to staff housing costs associated with the Rankin Inlet Correctional Centre.
The standing committee encourages the Department of Justice to work closely with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to ensure coordinated planning with respect to staff housing.
Mr. Chairman, members recognize that there is a clear need for additional space to accommodate Nunavut’s inmates. Sending inmates out of the territory is very expensive and costs will only increase as time goes on.
Members recognize that the Baffin Correctional Centre in Iqaluit is extremely overcrowded. For these reasons, members continue to be in full support of the ongoing construction of the Rankin Inlet Correctional Centre for men.
However, the standing committee is unable to support the expenditure of funds to construct a new prison in Iqaluit to replace the Baffin Correctional Centre. During his appearance, the minister advised the committee that a new prison could cost up to $150 million.
While members recognize that it is important for as many Nunavut inmates as possible to serve their sentences in their home territory, members also note that the new Rankin Inlet Correctional Centre was originally and still is designed to allow for expansion in the future.
Given that the Rankin Inlet Correctional Centre has not yet been constructed, it is premature to consider constructing yet another prison.
Members firmly believe that funds should instead be allocated towards projects that focus on establishing more healing facilities in a number of communities.
During his appearance before the standing committee, the minister acknowledged that Nunavut has only one healing facility which is located in Kugluktuk.
He indicated that other communities have expressed interest in hosting healing facilities.
Members did advise the minister that the committee would be prepared to support funding for necessary renovations to or expansion of the Baffin Correctional Centre
Mr. Chairman, members are pleased to note the progress that has been made on the construction of the new women’s eight-bed correctional facility in Iqaluit which is anticipated to be opened early in 2010.
Members are aware that women have occasionally served very short sentences in RCMP detachment cells in their home communities and that an external building at BCC was used to house female inmates in 2007.
The standing committee recognizes that these situations are inappropriate. The standing committee is therefore pleased that female inmates will now have a gender-specific facility.
Mr. Chairman, while members recognize that funding for supporting outpost camps comes from the department’s operations and maintenance budget, members continue to urge the minister and his officials to consider setting aside capital funds that could be used in order to establish new outpost camps.
During his appearance before the committee, the minister advised members that his officials will continue working towards commencing an initiative to establish more outpost camps.
The minister also advised members that community support is required for the establishment of outpost camps. He also indicated that communities were invited earlier this year to contact the Department of Justice to express interest in hosting outpost camps.
Mr. Chairman, members note that the $400,000 for minor capital projects is an ongoing yearly amount allocated for replacement vehicles and other small capital items.
Members recognize the importance of rehabilitating inmates so that they can have a smooth re-entry into their communities. Members also recognize the significance of incorporating cultural elements in rehabilitation.
For these reasons, the standing committee encouraged the department to consider the introduction of dogsled teams to outpost camps as well as the Kugluktuk Healing Facility.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2010-11 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) I wish to report progress at this time. (interpretation) Thank you.
Speaker (interpretation): Going back to our orders of the day. Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Mr. Schell: Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 8 and the capital estimates, and would like to report progress. Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Report of the Committee of the Whole be concurred with.
There is a motion on the floor. Is there a seconder? Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to return to Item 3 and I would like unanimous consent. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Okalik is seeking unanimous consent to go back to Item 3, Members’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 095 – 3(2): Response to the Acceptance of the Report of the Integrity Commissioner to the Legislative Assembly Regarding Mr. Paul Okalik, MLA (Okalik)
To my colleagues, in regard to the proceedings today, I acknowledge your decision and would like to thank you for passing the day.
It was not intentional for not abiding by the law and I apologize to all of the members, to all of my constituents, and the rest of the people of Nunavut.
I apologize to you especially because we had to go through this, unfortunately. So I will make sure that this not happen again in the future and that I don’t want this to be experienced by any of the members.
Thank you for your apology.
A reminder for tomorrow’s meetings, at nine o’clock in the morning, the Standing Committee on Legislation in the Nanuq Boardroom, followed by a meeting at eleven o’clock of the Regular Caucus with the Speaker in the same boardroom.
This House stands adjourned until Tuesday, December 1, at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Pages 770 – 817
Opening Prayer 770
Ministers’ Statements 770
Members’ Statements 774
Returns to Oral Questions 776
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 777
Oral Questions 778
Tabling of Documents 791
First Reading of Bills 792
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 793
Report of the Committee of the Whole 816
Orders of the Day 816
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 770
062 – 3(2): QEC Accomplishment: Corporate Performance Management Model (Tootoo) 770
063 – 3(2): Nunavut Arctic College Midwife Graduates Pass National Exam (Shewchuk) 771
064 – 3(2): Paris Air Show (Taptuna) 771
065 – 3(2): Response to Canadian Medical Association Journal (Curley) 772
066 – 3(2): Fuel Price Reduction (Kusugak) 773
067 – 3(2): Homeowner Fuel Rebate (Peterson) 774
096 – 3(2): Welcomes New Fuel Rate and Homeowners Subsidy (Okalik) 774
097 – 3(2): Consensus Government at Work (Rumbolt) 774
098 – 3(2): Transparency of the Government’s Budget Process (Elliott) 775
Return to Oral Question 113 – 3(2): Vacancies in Quttiktuq (Curley) 776
Return to Oral Question 124 – 3(2): Status of New Dozer for Grise Fiord (Kusugak) 777
137 – 3(2): Fuel Price Reduction (Okalik) 778
138 – 3(2): Adult Educator for Pond Inlet (Arvaluk) 779
139 – 3(2): Maintenance of Older Housing Units (Ningark) 780
140 – 3(2): Paris Air Show (Rumbolt) 781
141 – 3(2): Talluruti: The Inuktitut Name of the Northwest Passage (Arvaluk) 782
142 – 3(2): Status of New Fire Truck for Baker Lake (Aupaluktuq) 783
143 – 3(2): Contract for Medevac Services in Kivalliq (Ningeongan) 785
144 – 3(2): Transparency of the Government’s Budget Process (Elliott) 786
145 – 3(2): Appointment of New Chair of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (Okalik) 787
146 – 3(2): No Furniture in New Health Centre in Pangnirtung (Komoartok) 789
147 – 3(2): Number of School Buses in Pond Inlet (Arvaluk) 790
148 – 3(2): Long Gun Registry (Okalik) 790
066 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Lease Activity Report (Kusugak) 791
067 – 3(2): A booklet on “A Property Owner’s Guide to Contaminated Site Remediation in Nunavut” (Shewchuk) 791
068 – 3(2): Report on the Paris Air Show 2009 Trade Mission (Taptuna) 791
069 – 3(2): Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Strategic Plan for the Period 2010-2030, “Building Futures Together: Working Document” (Tootoo) 791
070 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Annual Report Nunavut Arctic College (Shewchuk) 792
071 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Pension Administration Report (Speaker) 792
072 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Audited Financial Statements of the Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 792
073 – 3(2): 2008-2009 Audited Financial Statements of the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Fund (Speaker) 792
Committee Motion 001 – 3(2): Deletion of $300,000 from the 2010-2011 Capital Estimates of the Department of Justice (Okalik) 794
Bill 11 – The Order of Nunavut Act – First Reading 792
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Justice – Consideration in Committee 793
Bill 08 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2010-2011 – Education – Consideration in Committee 807
A very good afternoon to the Premier, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, visitors, and Nunavummiut.
Going to our orders of the day. Item 2.
Minister’s Statement 062 – 3(2): QEC Accomplishment: Corporate Performance Management Model (Tootoo)
Mr. Speaker and hon. colleagues, in the past 12 months, Qulliq Energy has successfully designed and implemented a corporate-specific performance model that very precisely moves the corporation to individual, departmental, and organizational accountability for the achievement of strategic business results.
The creation of this progressive model was driven by their strategic plan to create an organizational culture that is held accountable for business results at all levels and within all functions.
Mr. Speaker, to ensure this living program becomes embedded in all areas of the company, in September, all senior and middle managers and supervisors were trained over three days in all aspects of the program’s delivery.
Mr. Speaker, during the next 12 months, senior and middle managers and supervisors will roll out important elements of the program’s modules: self-appraisals and 360-degree feedback surveys.
The results of these actions will provide each employee, manager, and the Qulliq Energy Corporation with a clear understanding of whether or not our performance goals are being achieved.  The Qulliq Energy Corporation’s performance management model is a dynamic program that creates a culture of accountability, interdependence, corporate and individual pride.
Minister’s Statement 063 – 3(2): Nunavut Arctic College Midwife Graduates Pass National Exam (Shewchuk)
The Nunavut Arctic College Midwifery Program, offered in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Services, prepares students to become practicing midwives here in Nunavut. The program introduces students to the cultural, spiritual, and traditional practices of Inuit midwifery and is designed to reflect the ethical codes, regulations, and competencies established in territorial and national standards.
Mr. Speaker, the international definition of a midwife is a person who, having been admitted to a recognized midwifery educational program, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery.
Specifically, Mr. Speaker, midwifery graduates meet standards set by the Canadian Midwifery Regulatory Committee and provide care that is culturally appropriate for and acceptable to the residents of Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to announce that midwifery graduates Catherine Connelly and Rachel Jones of Rankin Inlet successfully passed their Canadian midwifery registration exams to become Canada’s first nationally certified Inuit midwives.
Hon. Daniel Shewchuk: Since they met national standards, they are eligible for full membership in the Canadian Association of Midwives. Both midwives are working at the birthing centre in Rankin Inlet.
The fact that Catherine and Rachel passed the national exam the first time they tried speaks volumes to the quality of our program and shows how dedicated our students are. This is a historic moment for Nunavut. I encourage my fellow members to join me in extending our congratulations.
Mr. Speaker, we are committed to building on the success of this program. I would also like to announce that Nunavut Arctic College will continue to offer the Midwifery Education Program with a new class starting this January in Cambridge Bay.
Minister’s Statement 064 – 3(2): Paris Air Show (Taptuna)
Most Members of this House are aware that the Iqaluit International Airport has built an international reputation as the world’s premiere cold weather aerospace test centre, particularly for the European aircraft manufacturing industry.
Mr. Speaker, I led a highly successful Nunavut trade team delegation to the 48th Paris International Air Show held between June 12 and 19 of this year.
The Paris Air Show is the world’s largest aviation trade event and is held every two years at le Bourget Airport on the northern edge of Paris.
The show includes four trade days which are closed to the public, when the world aerospace industry participates in pre-arranged meetings, networking events, formal and informal business discussions, and product demonstrations.
The 2009 Paris Air Show was attended by 140,000 professional trade delegates, representing 2,000 exhibitors from 48 countries.
There were 205 official delegations, including Nunavut’s, from 88 countries. The world’s media also converges on this high-profile event and at least 3,500 journalists from the aviation media were in attendance.
I met with senior executives from prospective clients in the commercial, business, and military aviation sectors, such as Airbus, Eurocopter, E.A.D.S. and B.A.E. Systems, promoting the use of Iqaluit International Airport for future cold weather testing.
International aviation is a primary market for growth in Nunavut’s air transportation industry, building on the availability and recognition of Iqaluit’s airport. Among other specialties, Iqaluit is world-renowned for cold weather testing for three [types] of aviation products, namely, airframes, engines, and systems and components.
Iqaluit International Airport is one of Nunavut’s largest employment generators, with over 400 people employed in airport-related jobs, plus many indirect economic benefits accruing to the territory.
The cold weather testing business requires minimal capital [investment] but yields immediate economic benefits through local provision of services, including accommodations, catering, vehicle rentals and ground support, as well as sales of fuel, clothing, and of course, local arts and crafts. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Ministers’ Statements. Hon. Tagak Curley.
Minister’s Statement 065 – 3(2): Response to Canadian Medical Association Journal (Curley)
It was extremely disturbing to read the article that appeared on the Canadian Medical Association website on November 25, 2009 and I rise today to give clarity to the issues raised.
The article, Mr. Speaker, was quoted as saying that Nunavut only has five nurses, no doctors, and also compared our current medical system to that of the 1950s, when those with tuberculosis were sent south on boats and never heard from again.
Mr. Speaker, while the Department of Health and Social Services is committed to constant improvement of Nunavut’s health care system, considering the distance we have in geography, we do currently provide an excellent level of quality care in all communities in Nunavut.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, we have more than 200 nurses and over 20 physicians in Nunavut providing primary medical and mental care at the community level.
Today, Mr. Speaker, the medical care and travel in Nunavut is a long way from the boats that took our people from their homes in the 1950s never to be returned, and our staffing levels continue to rise throughout the territory. I trust that this addresses the main issues pointed out in the article on the Canadian Medical Association Journal website.
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that a correction has been made to the article and that it no longer appears on the website. However, Mr. Speaker, it is important for the public to know that when articles or opinions in regard to health care in Nunavut appear in the media or online, the information may not be accurate unless it has been verified by my department.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage those people, including our friends from across the street, making public statements about Nunavut health care should contact the Department of Health and Social Services in advance to verify any information.
Minister’s Statement 066 – 3(2): Fuel Price Reduction (Kusugak)
As we start the month of December and prepare for Christmas, we are beginning to think about gifts for friends and family.
Mr. Speaker, I still don’t have a Christmas gift for you.
I think that this is an appropriate time for good news as well.
Mr. Speaker, we were able to capitalize on lower prices for the purchase of petroleum products last year and have continued to pass these savings on where possible. We have been able to reduce the cost of gasoline by 20 cents a litre and heating fuel and diesel by 10 cents a litre through the early part of 2009. Homeowners in Nunavut were also provided with a $400 fuel rebate to help with costs.
In July, when the government announced the last fuel price decrease, we committed to continue monitoring costs to ensure any additional savings could be passed along to Nunavummiut.
Mr. Speaker, as Minister responsible for the Community and Government Services’ Petroleum Products Division, I rise today to announce that we are further reducing the price of gasoline by 10 cents per litre effective this Friday, [December 4].
Merry Christmas, colleagues and Nunavummiut.
You said that you didn’t have a Christmas gift for me, but that’s a very good Christmas present.
Minister’s Statement 067 – 3(2): Homeowner Fuel Rebate (Peterson)
I hope I can bring some good news for people in Nunavut and my colleagues as well.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the government will continue the Nunavut Homeowners Fuel Rebate for another year. As members recall, in March, we provided a fuel rebate of $400 to assist Nunavut homeowners with the cost of living and to provide homeowners with more disposable income.
Our government believes it is important to stay the course and continue to support recovery in our local economy.
This year, we are increasing the homeowners rebate to $500.
This $500 rebate and the 10-cent reduction in gasoline just announced by my colleague are steps that this government is taking to help homeowners and families across Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, this rebate will be application based and notices will be provided for all members and Nunavummiut shortly.
Moving along. Item 3.
Member’s Statement 096 – 3(2): Welcomes New Fuel Rate and Homeowners Subsidy (Okalik)
I am very pleased about the announcement because my constituents will be very happy.
Looking at the Minister responsible for the Petroleum Products Division, if he grows out his beard, he will look like Santa Claus.
So I am very pleased about the announcement and I’m sure that Nunavummiut are very pleased about the reduction of fuel costs and heating fuel. It’s going to benefit the homeowners. Perhaps Mr. Peterson will be the elf.
I would like to thank the ministers for those announcements because our constituents are looking forward to this. I will be asking questions at the appropriate time.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Okalik. (interpretation ends) Members’ Statements. (interpretation) Member for Hudson Bay, Mr. Rumbolt.
Member’s Statement 097 – 3(2): Consensus Government at Work (Rumbolt)
I rise today to give due recognition to the success of consensus government.
Mr. Speaker, as you will recall, in March of this year, I asked the Minister of Education to review the food allowance rates for residents of Sanikiluaq who receive social assistance.
Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was very pleased to hear the minister announce that today, December 1, 2009, the food allowance rates for Sanikiluaq will be increased.
Mr. Speaker, I sincerely appreciate the minister’s willingness to respond positively to concerns that were raised in the House. This shows that our consensus system of government can truly be successful.