EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
We are going to actively engage the community and elders in finding different solutions to those problems. It may be a re-location of the intake, for example, it may be a different source.
We are going to look at all of the information that we currently have and go back to the community and sit with them to find out what information that they have, and then move forward, and hopefully, implement a solution that is going to address all of the problems very soon.
Thank you, Mr. Sitland.
Will the minister commit to ensuring that the long-term solution to the problems with the pump house, including an investigation on the intake pumps, and ensuring that they are secured properly?
Hon. Levinia Brown (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I will do that.
Mr. Evyagotailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Madame Minister.
You’ll note the time is getting close to six o’clock and we have to go down for supper in order that all the members have to go too and get ready. I would like to make a motion that we report progress.
All those in favour of the motion, please... All those in favour of the motion.
The motion is carried. I will now rise to report progress.
Thank you, Madame Minister and your staff, Mr. Sitland, Mr. Rich.
Speaker (interpretation): Going to the Orders of the Day. Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1 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 agreed to.
Speaker (interpretation): There is a motion on the floor. To the motion.
Seconder, Mr. Kilabuk.
Meetings for tomorrow, Standing Committee Meeting on Government Operations and Accountability at 9:00 in the morning Tuktu Room, followed by a meeting of the regular caucus at 11:00 in the same room.
Orders of the Day for November 22:
Speaker (interpretation): We will reconvene November 22, 2005 at 1:30 in the afternoon.
I look forward to seeing the Members of the Legislative Assembly at dinner.
We will see you.
>>House adjourned at 18:01
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Pages 299 – 366
Opening Prayer 299
Ministers’ Statements 299
Members’ Statements 303
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 308
Oral Questions 308
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 328
Written Questions 329
Tabling of Documents 329
Notices of Motions 330
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 331
Report of the Committee of the Whole 364
Orders of the Day 364
Tuesday, November 22, 2005 299
017 – 2(3): Public Housing in Nunavut (Akesuk) 299
018 – 2(3): Support for H&SS Projects (Aglukkaq) 300
019 – 2(3): 2006 Energy and Environment Calendar Art Contest (Akesuk) 301
020 – 2(3): Certificate of Recognition Pangnirtung Waste Treatment Operator (Brown) 301
021 – 2(3): Summer Student Employment Equity Program (Tapardjuk) 302
022 – 2(3): Intelligent Community Awards (Kilabuk) 303
047 – 2(3): Repulse Bay Power Outages (Mapsalak) 303
048 – 2(3): Childcare Programs (Alagalak) 304
049 – 2(3): Community Addictions Volunteers (Evyagotailak) 304
050 – 2(3): Vaccination of Dog Teams (Barnabas) 305
051 – 2(3): Congratulations to Billy Qaqqasiq (Kilabuk) 306
052 – 2(3): Thank First Air for Hospitality (Tootoo) 306
053 – 2(3): Expanding Coverage on Cell Phones (Picco) 307
050 – 2(3): Staff Housing Impact on Employees and Savings (Peterson) 308
051 – 2(3): Environmental Review Timetable (Tootoo) 310
052 – 2(3): Repulse Bay Power Outage Update (Mapsalak) 312
053 – 2(3): Funding for Community Based Programs (Evyagotailak) 315
054 – 2(3): $500,000 Funding for Emergency Measures (Curley) 316
055 – 2(3): Legal Aid Services to the Communities (Netser) 317
056 – 2(3): Informing Communities when Deferring Court Cases (Arreak) 319
057 – 2(3): Vaccination of Sled Dogs (Barnabas) 320
058 – 2(3): Improving Airline Services in the Kivalliq Region (Alagalak) 322
059 – 2(3): Crown Corporation Housing Policy (Tootoo) 323
060 – 2(3): Update on Influenza Epidemic (Peterson) 325
006 – 2(3): Status of Casual Employment (Peterson) 329
024 – 2(3): GN Department of Economic Development and Transportation Ministerial Meetings Report (Kilabuk) 329
025 – 2(3): Third Annual Report Municipal Training Organization October 2005 (Brown) 330
001 – 2(3): Federal-Territorial Negotiations on Early Learning and Childcare – Notice (Picco) 330
Bill 1 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee 331
Bill 1 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Nunavut Housing Corporation – Consideration in Committee 350
Speaker (interpretation): Good afternoon, Mr. Premier, ministers and the members.
Minister’s Statement 017 – 2(3): Public Housing in Nunavut (Akesuk)
Today I rise to update the members of the Canada Nunavut Strategic Infrastructure Agreement for social housing.
This $40 million initiative, cost shared with Infrastructure Canada, has been extremely successful.
As you know we’ve committed to build 160 public housing units with these funds. I am pleased to advise you that we will build 170.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation is well on its way to completing this agreement within its three-year timeframe, with the majority of units built or being finished, as we speak. (interpretation) The last of these units, in Resolute Bay and Kugaaruk, will be built during next year’s construction season.
Mr. Speaker, 170 units is a significant investment in our public housing portfolio; however, it is still not enough to meet the need.
We continue to advocate with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to engage our federal partners to implement the Ten-Year Inuit Housing Action Plan.
I expect to rise again in this House to update members on our progress in this effort.
Minister’s Statement 018 – 2(3): Support for H&SS Projects (Aglukkaq)
The Department of Health and Social Services believes in partnerships.
Today I would like to recognize the support of Members of the Legislative Assembly in helping the department be accountable to the people of Nunavut.
The opening of the Naja Isabelle Home in Chesterfield Inlet in June was all the better for the involvement of local MLA, Patterk Netser.
My personal tour of some of the boarding homes facilities used by Nunavummiut was enriched by the presence of:
MLA Steve Mapsalak when I visited the Kivalliq Inuit centre in Winnipeg on October 26,
MLAs Joe Allen and Steve Mapsalak when I visited Larga Edmonton on October 1,
and Joe Enook, President of Baffin Larga was also present when I visited Baffin Larga on October 25.
Mr. Speaker, in October I toured the construction site of the new Qikiqtani Regional Hospital with Minister Levinia Brown and Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo.
I must say that this will be a very impressive facility and I would like to thank Minister Brown and her staff for their assistance with this facility.
I also had the pleasure of formally opening the Kivalliq Health Centre and the Kitikmeot Health Centre recently.
The presence and support of the Premier, each region’s MLAs, the Mayors and Inuit Organizations made these events extra special.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Health and Social Services believes in piliriqatigiinniq - working together for a common cause.
The staff work very hard at sharing information and responding to issues.
We also recognize the importance of keeping elected representatives informed about developments.
MLAs, Community Health Committee members, and municipal leaders all bring different perspectives that enrich the process overall.
This is in part of bringing care closer to home in our view.
On behalf of the department I would like to give a sincere thank you to the Members of this House who have lent their time and expertise to helping us develop and deliver new and innovative social and health services for a large and diverse territory.
Minister’s Statement 019 – 2(3): 2006 Energy and Environment Calendar Art Contest (Akesuk)
I am pleased to announce that the Department of Environment, in cooperation with Natural Resources Canada, has chosen artwork by Emmett Goose of Gjoa Haven for the Nunavut, winner of the Energy and the Environment Art Contest.
Emmet’s artwork will be presented in the nationally circulated calendar 2006 Energy and Environment Calendar.
Approximately 135,000 calendars are distributed to households, schools, and businesses all across Canada.
Emmett is currently in grade seven in Qiqirtaq High School in Gjoa Haven.
The theme of the contest was, “Taking Action on Climate Change Through Wise Energy Use.”
The intent of the calendar is to promote alternative energy, encourage energy efficiency, and raise public awareness to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Emmett’s colourful artwork focused on wind power, waterpower, and reducing, and recycling for a healthier environment. His drawing reflects the potential of Nunavummiut to make a significant difference.
Thank you to all entrants of the contest.
It is inspiring to see our young people taking action to raise awareness on wise energy use in Nunavut and Canada.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Ministers’ Statements.
Minister’s Statement 020 – 2(3): Certificate of Recognition Pangnirtung Waste Treatment Operator (Brown)
I am pleased to announce that the Environmental Operators Certification Program has awarded Mr. Billy Qaqqasiq of Pangnirtung with a Certificate of Recognition.
This recognizes the hard work and dedication of Mr. Qaqqasiq in the operation of the Pangnirtung sewage treatment plant.
As the regulatory environment continues to change and evolve, our municipal infrastructure for drinking water and systems to treat our wastewater become more complex.
With this, the training for our municipal employees becomes even more important.
Training of our municipal employees has been recognized as a high priority, not only in technical matters, but also in matters relating to finance, health and safety, and a variety of other areas.
The Municipal Training Organization has a key role to play in providing a range of training options for hamlet employees.
Mr. Speaker I am pleased to state that Mr. Qaqqasiq’s award stands as an example to other municipal employees. It highlights his accomplishment and the importance of the on going efforts of the Municipal Training Organization to train municipal employees.
Minister’s Statement 021 – 2(3): Summer Student Employment Equity Program (Tapardjuk)
I rise today to inform my colleagues of the success of the 2005 Summer Student Employment Equity Program.
This summer, 150 students were hired in departments across Nunavut.
Of those students hired, 79 percent were Nunavut Land Claims beneficiaries.
Due to an increase in funding this year from $700,000 to $950,000, the program was able to hire 20 more students across the territory.
This will provide more of Nunavut’s future leaders with valuable and relevant work experience within the Government of Nunavut.
As in the past years, there was significant demand for GN summer student jobs and the Department of Human Resources received 384 applications for the program. The number of applications this summer was far more than the number of positions available.
This summer’s program also reflected improvements based on the recommendations of a review conducted by key stakeholders. These changes focused on simplifying the program, changing eligibility requirements to best reflect the needs of Nunavut students, and creating an appeal process for applicants.
Students were provided with jobs in a timelier manner and faced fewer obstacles and issues.
Minister’s Statement 022 – 2(3): Intelligent Community Awards (Kilabuk)
I rise today to inform this House that on Friday, November 18, 2005, we learned that Nunavut, through the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation, has been recognized by the Intelligent Community Forum, a non-profit think tank based in New York City which, each year, shortlists what they consider 21 of the smartest communities worldwide.
“The Smart 21 Communities of 2005” places Nunavut in a prestigious group that includes some of the world’s best known cities, as well as the smallest towns.
Ten countries from four continents are represented.
From this group of 21, seven finalists will be chosen to compete for the “Intelligent Community of the Year” award.
The final selection will be made in June 2006 in New York City.
Mr. Speaker, it is worth noting that last year’s award winner was Mitaka, Japan.
The Canadian finalist was Toronto.
For the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation to obtain this level of recognition, in less than three years, is a remarkable accomplishment, which is now recognized worldwide.
The Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation has put in place a network that will improve economic opportunities in every community and now it has brought international recognition to Nunavut once again for its innovation.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me as I offer my congratulations to the Nunavut Broadband Development Corporation for their excellent work on behalf of all Nunavummiut.
Item 3, Member’s Statements.
Member's Statement 047 – 2(3): Repulse Bay Power Outages (Mapsalak)
I rise today to speak about the unacceptable power outages in the community of Repulse Bay.
Mr. Speaker, my constituents in Repulse Bay have told me that power outages have been occurring with too much frequency.
The community wants to see this situation addressed.
Mr. Speaker, many of residents told me that they have had household appliances like televisions, stereos, and home computers destroyed by surges in the power.
These surges often occur following a power outage when people think it is safe to carry on with their activities.
Mr. Speaker, I have raised this issue before. I want to see steps taken to investigate and fix the problem.
Mr. Speaker, even now I had a call that they had to rotate the power from one side of the community to the other.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time I will be asking questions on this issue.
Member's Statement 048 – 2(3): Childcare Programs (Alagalak)
I rise today to bring up an issue of childcare programs.
(interpretation) I have been told by my constituents that for childcare they’re paid $30 a day if they look after children during the night and during the day.
That rate is applied for one day, during the night and during the day.
And that $25 they pay if their children are in childcare and yet they get paid $30 for 24 hours and they have to get Enfalac and pampers.
For the maintenance of these children, a lot of times, those people who are looking after the children don’t get a penny. Even though they are looking after them, they have to get up during the night because the baby needs feeding and they are not given any kind of compensation.
They are providing blankets, a room …
(interpretation ends) for the minister responsible for Government of Nunavut policy and childcare, should visit the Government of Nunavut policy to make amendments to meet the needs for adjustment.
Member’s Statement 049 – 2(3): Community Addictions Volunteers (Evyagotailak)
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of problems associated with alcoholism that many communities in Nunavut face.
I would like to recognize community volunteers who are working to bring Alcoholics Anonymous programs to communities.
Mr. Speaker, every Member in this House has seen the tragic effects of substance abuse on their communities. Domestic violence and absenteeism from work and school are some of the most obvious results of substance abuse.
Mr. Speaker, in my community of Kugluktuk there are options for people who want help. There are Alcoholics Anonymous or AA meetings.
Mr. Speaker, these meetings are not ideal for everyone. The meetings do not allow couples to attend together as they are split into meetings for men and meetings for women.
I believe that couples should have the opportunity to seek treatment together and support each other by attending meetings together.
Mr. Speaker, I understand that members of the community are trying to start having meetings that both men and women can attend at the same time. I would like to voice my support for these individuals.
Later today Mr. Speaker, I will be asking questions on what the GN is doing on the issue of substance abuse.
Member’s Statement 050 – 2(3): Vaccination of Dog Teams (Barnabas)
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I rise today to raise an issue of some urgency to some sled dog owners of the high arctic; the lack of stable Nunavut-wide vaccination program to protect our dogs from distemper.
One of the first duties of Nunavut’s First Assembly was to choose an official territorial animal. Members proudly chose qimmiq, the Canadian Inuit dog, to be that symbol. Now the future of our territorial animal is being at risk due to government inaction.
Mr. Speaker, it is not just the symbol that is at stake. Outfitters organizing polar bear hunts for sport hunters bring in revenues of close to $3 million each year to this territory with nearly half of that going to Inuit in our communities. These hunts can only take place by dog teams.
Mr. Speaker, that is not all. We have a number of athletes who hope to compete in the Arctic Winter Games dog mushing event in Alaska this coming March. They will only be able to do so if their dogs are vaccinated and have the certificates to prove it.
Mr. Speaker, after the distemper outbreak of 1987, the government provided for the vaccination of dog-teams across the territory. Since then, the government seems to have taken this responsibility less seriously.
Mr. Speaker, there has been some confusion over which department is responsible for administering the sled dog vaccination program.
Before division, the Department of Renewable Resources handled it. Then it was transferred to the Department of Health and Social Services. Then the Department of Sustainable Development took it back, only to suspend the program.
Mr. Speaker, sled dogs are an integral part of our culture. Travelling by dog team is a traditional activity that Inuit are known for across the world. It is important that a healthy and vibrant tradition can be passed on to our children.
Mr. Speaker, for the sake of our territorial symbol, for the health and livelihood of our communities and for the future of our cultural heritage, I urge the government to address this issue at the soonest possible time.
Member’s Statement 051 – 2(3): Congratulations to Billy Qaqqasiq (Kilabuk)
I would like to congratulate Billy Qaqqasiq, who was recognized as the Pangnirtung wastewater treatment operator.
Mr. Speaker, for your information the people of Pangnirtung had a meeting in the community hall when the certificate of recognition was given to this individual.
One thing that I am very proud about is that Mr. Billy Qaqqasiq went to Vancouver to train to become a wastewater treatment operator and there was one other individual who was given the certificate of recognition and this other individual was from Africa.
They were given the Mobil prize and again, I’m very proud of Mr. Qaqqasiq for being the recipient of this certificate.
He worked extremely hard and gave himself completely to complete his certification. I extend my congratulations to Mr. Qaqqasiq and his family.
Member’s Statement 052 – 2(3): Thank First Air for Hospitality (Tootoo)
I think the Member for Iqaluit East had his hand up first but I can understand that you want to save the best for the last so I will let him go after me.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to rise today and acknowledge and thank some officials that were here in town yesterday and invited us, the Members of the Legislative Assembly, to a meeting with them last evening at the Discovery.
They are Bob Davies, Jim Ballingal, and Rick Lefebvre from First Air, thanks to them for welcoming all the Members here last night.
It is always a pleasure to see those individuals in the community and staying in touch closely with what is going on the territory.
I would like to on behalf of all members that were in attendance last night thank them for their hospitality last night.
Member’s Statement 053 – 2(3): Expanding Coverage on Cell Phones (Picco)
I recently wrote to Northwestel about extending their cellular coverage or reach here in Iqaluit. Mr. Speaker, cell phone coverage can be found all across Canada and in remote and rural areas of our country.
In our case here in Iqaluit coverage is limited to between 8 to 10 kilometres in optimum conditions.
If cell phone coverage could be boosted to a 35-kilometre radius, for example, then more residents would have an opportunity for safe, secure, and cheaper communication access.
Last spring during a massive ground and air search we were not able to locate the missing people and they were not able to contact us. If cell phone coverage had been available there may have be an opportunity for the searchers to locate the lost persons earlier.
During boating season contact with the community in case of an emergency could be facilitated faster. Northwestel wrote me back and explained there were logistic as well as financial issues in regard to extending cell coverage as requested. I suggested to Northwestel in a follow-up letter that possible solutions may exist.
We welcome the Northwestel announcement of moving from the antiquated analog system to a digital system. We look forward to a positive response from Northwestel on expanding coverage and I will update the House when I receive the response to our latest correspondence.
Going to Orders of the Day. Item 4.
I would like recognize the Mayor of Baker Lake, David Aqsarniq, who is here in Iqaluit today.
Question 050 – 2(3): Staff Housing Impact on Employees and Savings (Peterson)
On September 13, 2005, the Government of Nunavut announced the new GN Staff Housing Policy. The policy defines Cambridge Bay as an emerging market and over ten years it would phase out providing GN staff housing in my community.
My question for the minister is: can the minister tell the House today how much the Government of Nunavut will save over time by not providing GN staff housing?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Akesuk.
We’re not exactly sure what the savings would be but it would be substantial.
We use approximately $34 million on GN staff housing.
We usually get back $10 million.
The savings would be substantial and the monies that we’ll have saved would be used to build new housing.
This information, I am sure, will be under surveillance by the communities that are going to be affected by this change.
I was curious to know what the savings would be. Obviously they’ve implemented a policy, but they don’t know what the real numbers will be.
Can the minister assure me that any savings that are a result of this new GN staff housing will be directed to new public housing and not be directed to other government priorities?
We will keep a close eye on the savings and re-direct them to the housing program throughout Nunavut.
They will be used for housing Nunavut-wide. We are making this change so that we can increase the number of houses that will be going up into the communities and we will do all that we can to make sure that we use our money wisely.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that response.
I hope that the minister is saying that he will provide that information update every year to us about what the savings will be and where the money will be directed into new public housing.
My supplementary question for the minister is, can the minister tell the House what impact the Government of Nunavut anticipates that this new Government of Nunavut Staff Housing Policy will have on the recruitment and retention of doctors, teachers, and nurses?
Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to the Gallery Glen. Mr. Akesuk.
I guess that was a very good question from Mr. Peterson...
…I’ve never seen applause like that before. (interpretation) We’ll make sure that this program... well, could the member rephrase his question because I couldn’t hear it properly with all the clapping going on.
Speaker (interpretation): If the member would rephrase his question. Mr. Peterson.
That’s the first time that anyone’s clapped for one of my questions.
I couldn’t hear myself talk either.