EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Mr. Speaker, a very quick update is that the information provided by the member resulted in a team with the Department of Education and Community and Government Services, CGS, which takes care of the maintenance of all of our buildings within the government itself and having the site visits in Kugluktuk.
Also, I want to point out that the Regional Office for Education is in Kugluktuk, so our director there was also able to look at some of the concerns that were raised here in the House.
The area around paving and some of the carpet removal and so on, a lot of that work needs to be done when there are no students in the school because of fumes and so on, and that’s why that work would be carried out in the summertime when there’s a down time where students aren’t actually physically in the school.
Some of the other minor repairs, it is my understanding, have been carried out where possible.
CGS has been working diligently on working on that file to ensure that the school is a safe environment for children to attend. I have been assured that that is indeed the case.
Again, Mr. Speaker, that’s the process and the progress that we have had or are able to do at this time.
Can the minister clarify why the broken windows at the school have not been replaced to date?
It is my understanding, from information that has been provided to me in this particular instance, is that the glass had to be ordered into the community, and to do that, of course, there’s some timeframe; you can’t just go up to a supplier and say, “Give me the material that’s required.” So that’s my understanding of why there has been a delay in receiving some of the glass for some of the windows.
I’m also led to believe, Mr. Speaker, that some of the windows have been fixed.
Yes, I still would like to see those windows replaced because it sure helps out the students when they look out the window, and it’s good for their minds and also their bodies, because when you’re stuck in a four-wall building, it gets kind of boring.
My second supplementary: can the minister confirm that there is a plan in place to complete all necessary repairs at the school in Kugluktuk?
As I said earlier, the Department of CGS is in charge of repairing all government buildings on behalf and for the Government of Nunavut.
In this case, there has been considerable work done as I have indicated. Some of that work has to be carried out when the students aren’t in the school. On the windows themselves and the plan, there is a plan in place with CGS and the hamlet, which the hamlet does a lot of the maintenance work for us for that school.
It is my understanding, Mr. Speaker, most of that work would be completed, where possible, by the end of this month of February.
It is also my understanding that the complete interior painting, the flooring repairs, electrical circuit changes, and some of the mechanical adjustments will go out to tender and that will be before the end of this fiscal year, meaning before April 1, and that work will be completed for the students when they return to the school in the fall.
My last supplementary: will the minister commit to ensuring that the Kugluktuk high school gets a complete and thorough examination at the earliest opportunity to implement a plan for ongoing maintenance and care?
Yes, I can confirm and commit to the member that there is ongoing work right now with the Department of Education and the Department of CGS to ensure that when there are issues in our schools, in this case, and other government infrastructure, that we are able to respond to them expediently.
This does not seem to have been happening in the past. The Kugluktuk school is a good example, as well as Arctic Bay.
So we have made a plan in place, we are putting tenders forward, as I said earlier, and I can commit to the member that that will take place and be carried on.
Question 372 – 2(4): Number of Caribou for Collaring (Barnabas)
Mr. Speaker, the previous Minister of Environment stated that there was going to be a study on caribou in Nunavut.
My question for the minister: how many caribou are going to be tagged under this study?
Minister of Environment, Minister Akesuk.
To date, our staff is working on this issue. This will be a three-year caribou study. They are going to be tagged to find out their migratory route but I don’t have the numbers that are slated to be tagged.
We will consult with the affected communities. I do not have an answer but I will commit to providing this information at a later date to the member.Thank you.
In the communities that I represent, we have the Peary caribou. There’s usually an agreement about how many Peary caribou can be harvested as they are on the endangered species list.
In that light, when there’s a caribou study, will the people in the communities be able to harvest the caribou that are being studied?
As we’re close to the land and we do harvest the wildlife out there, we hope that the caribou can be harvested during the caribou study.
How long are these caribou going to be tagged for?
Is it going to be for a month, or for a year, or how many years?
I hear that these tags are slated to fall off all at the same time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) We’re looking at a three-year caribou study to find their migratory routes.
At this time, I’m not exactly sure how long those tagged or collars are going to stay on the caribou.
When is the tagging or collaring going to start; is it going to be in the spring or the fall? For example, if it’s going to be started in the spring and if they use aircraft, they’re going be shedding and calving is going to start.
Could the minister tell me exactly when the study is going to start?
As I stated earlier, we are currently consulting with the communities. We will come to an agreement between the communities as to when the caribou study is going to start. Of course, we will inform the affected communities and the parties.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Akesuk. (interpretation ends) Item 7.
Question 373 – 2(4): Kugaaruk Hamlet Office (Mapsalak)
I believe it was last month when I visited Kugaaruk and I heard some of their concerns.
It was also mentioned by the mayor during the Kitikmeot Inuit Association meeting that the hamlet office is extremely small and very old.
There are no lots available or there is no room to expand the building.
How or where can the people of Kugaaruk access those monies?
I thank my colleague for the question.
You could probably go through the Hamlet Council of Repulse Bay and they can address the situation.
If it’s an emergency, then my staff and officials will be informed and work with them.
I’m not sure when we would find the funds when it’s not identified.
So we have prepared the priorities for our business plan and it’s not in the estimates for projects.
I want to assure you that we will work with you and the Hamlet Council of Repulse Bay.
The concern is coming from the hamlet council. I met with them and they told me that it was previously placed in the Five-Year Capital Plan but it was taken out and it’s currently not there.
In springtime, the ice and snow will be melting and because the building is very old, it will have to be addressed immediately. Can the minister direct her officials or her staff to come to Repulse Bay and see the old building?
Yes, I could order the staff in the Kitikmeot who work for Community and Government Services to go to the community to see the hamlet office building.
You and the hamlet council will be informed; I know I have to go through you.
I’m sorry; I’m not directly answering your question.
We will be able to look into that and we will have a look at the Five-Year Capital Plan again. I have heard that there will be community visits this coming year and I know that we will have to go to those communities again and look at their infrastructure.
So we will be able to have a look at the old building that you’re talking about and see if we can extend or renovate it.
If it’s not in the Five-Year Capital Plan, then maybe I will be able to put it back in there.
Will they be able to directly ask CGS if they want to get a new office building in the community?
I have seen the office; it’s in terrible shape and it has to be retrofitted.
Will they able to request for a new office building from CGS?
There is a process for identifying those capital projects. Once projects have been identified, then it’s up to the hamlet councils in each community to state their priorities for their five-year capital, and in doing so, then we would be interested in seeing those priority lists for capital projects.
And, there’s another process through the new committee that’s directly involved with the hamlet mayors of the communities in Nunavut.
(interpretation) I’m trying to say that preparations take time and they make a Five-Year Capital Plan.
If the priorities are followed and don’t change, then we would see what is wanted.
So the priorities must be consistent.
Oral Questions. Item 8. I’m sorry.
Question 374 – 2(4): Subsidy for Special Baby Formula (Alagalak)
I think we are being forgotten by the government from Iqaluit.
My question is directed to (interpretation ends) the Minister responsible for Income Support, my friend, Picco.
(interpretation) I have a brief question to the minister because there’s a concern raised by the people in the community regarding the young people. There are more and more young girls having babies each year.
When they return to their communities after their children are born, they have to have a certain kind of milk to drink or whatever.
It’s hard in the community of Arviat because we don’t have a program in place delivered in Inuktitut to assist the communities. Some of the programs don’t even come from the federal government to our community, so they don’t even exist – how to properly use the powdered milk for the children. That’s supposed to exist.
(interpretation ends) One kilogram of Enfalac costs $28.99 and 730 grams of Nestle: All Soy is $36.99. (interpretation) Other brands of powdered milk are also very expensive and these are recommended to the young mother to use this certain kind of milk and there are not many in the community.
The minister was talking about the budget speech and there will be $89 million set aside for this year, so I would like to ask the minister: can subsidies be allocated to communities to assist them in implementing better services this coming year?
Minister responsible for Income Support and Minister of Education, Minister Picco.
The member has touched base on several very important issues. There are very important issues here in Nunavut, including teenage pregnancy and the numbers we see, and that’s not sustainable. We need to do a better job on Planned Parenthood and talking to our young people.
On the subsidy itself, Mr. Speaker, the department is open to looking at suggestions on how we can better bring the Income Support Program forward and where we can help out young mothers. In cases where a specialized formula that is needed and is very expensive, we do have the opportunity within our program to help support the parent receiving that.
In most cases, Mr. Speaker, in Nunavut, that would be free, or it would be provided to the parent.
When the parent travels outside of Nunavut and is in the south, for example, then they wouldn’t have that same coverage and would have to purchase it but they can be receipted or reimbursed back after that.
So, again, the department is open, and hopefully, that helps answer the member’s question.
Yes, I agree if that is going to be the case. It’s obvious that the young mothers will know which way to get help from but how would they get help in the community for these programs?
I would like to state again that the government now has support for the hunters in the community and a lot of them had to buy their own and then get reimbursed. Some of them just didn’t apply because it takes too long to prepare it.
Can the minister state again: how and where can they get subsidized through the program for the milk that they are supposed to use to sustain themselves? If he could answer my question.
Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Income Support, Minister Picco.
The opportunity here for not only the member’s community but for people listening across Nunavut who are in the same predicament is to work or to visit with our income support workers where we have them in all of our communities across Nunavut.
The programs can be spelled out and then that person can go to the income support worker and get the help that they need.
If there is an issue with the income support worker at the local level, we have appeals processes in place, for example, if someone was turned down, but we also have support through our sister department, Health and Social Services, through social work help to be able to facilitate that.
If the member has constituents who have been turned down or have not received help with this type of infant formula, for example, in this case, then I think we will be able to facilitate and help those constituents because at the end of the day, when a child needs something that has been prescribed to them, we need to be able to facilitate that.
I like to hear a good report and you’re understandable.
Would you be able to provide a letter written in both languages that could be given to the community level indicating who they could go to for support where possible?
Some of them are going through a hard time, the young mothers in particular.
For example, when young mothers, with babies who are supposed to be prescibed a special kind of milk, come to the nursing stations, they are told again, “You weren’t using the particular milk,” so they are being told that but they’re going through hard times when these things aren’t available.
Again, I think it’s the case in most communities; when a child is on formula, let’s say the brand name could be Enfalac or Similac, then the parent has to purchase that.
However, if a child is prescribed a certain type of formula that is not available in their community, as an example, and the parent had fly it in or make special arrangements and that’s very exorbitant, then under our program, we would have an opportunity to look at that to try to help out the constituent. I think that’s something that we’re in place to be able to do.
It’s not for standard formulas that any person can buy at the Bay, like an Enfalac or a Similac, but in cases where there is a medical need for a certain type, then that’s an opportunity there that we would be able to help out.
Members, please be aware that Question Period is now over.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I would like to ask consent to extend Question Period because I have an emergency question.
The member is seeking unanimous consent to extend Question Period.
I would like to make a Statement of Privilege, please, if I may be permitted.
Mr. Curley: Mr. Speaker, we have an emergency situation with respect to my community of Rankin Inlet.
The power of electricity supply generations have been out of commission for the last two days and the community is in a desperate situation to put all of these into order.
I think it is my right as a member, Mr. Speaker, to ask for the help of the Rankin Inlet community to ensure that the power supply is provided. It’s urgently important that this information be provided by the minister responsible as quickly as possible at an appropriate time somewhere.
Mr. Speaker, it is important that the minister would volunteer to provide that information to the Members of this House.
There was a nay when you asked for an extension under Oral Questions and you indicated what you wanted to say, so we’ll proceed with our Orders of the Day.
Minister of Finance, Mr. Tapardjuk.
Bill 23 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009 – Notice
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Friday, February 22, 2008, that Bill 23, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009, be read for the first time.
Minister of Finance and Culture, Language, Elders, and Youth, Minister Tapardjuk.
I request consent of this Assembly to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for first reading of Bill 23. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): The member is seeking unanimous consent to waive the two-day notice requirement to allow for first reading of Bill 23.
Bill 23 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009 – First Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member of Iqaluit East, that Bill 23, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009, be read for the first time.
Bill 23 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009 – Second Reading
I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Nattilik, that Bill 23, Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009, be read for the second time.
Bill 23 has had its second reading and is referred to Committee of the Whole.
Motion 025 – 2(4): Adjournment for the Day (Barnabas)
Pursuant to Rule 46, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member for Kugluktuk that the House adjourns for the day.
We will continue on with Item 24.
A reminder of a meeting of the Standing Committee Ajauqtiit tomorrow at nine o’clock in the Tuktu Boardroom.
Orders of the Day for February 21:
Members, our House stands adjourned until Thursday, February 21, and we will reconvene at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:38
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Pages 2736 – 2790
Opening Prayer 2736
Ministers’ Statements 2736
Members’ Statements 2739
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 2748
Oral Questions 2749
Petitions 2768
Tabled Documents 2769
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2770
Report of Committee of the Whole 2788
Thursday, February 21, 2008 2736
127 – 2(4): Local State of Emergency in Rankin Inlet (Picco) 2736
128 – 2(4): Transfer of Seafreez 0B Turbot Quota to Southern Interest (Netser) 2738
129 – 2(4): International Mother Language Day (Tapardjuk) 2738
297 – 2(4): Poverty in Nunavut (Peterson) 2739
298 – 2(4): Polar Bear Migration Patterns (Alagalak) 2741
299 – 2(4): Congratulations to Literary Prize Winners (Mapsalak) 2741
300 – 2(4): Soldier from Kugluktuk Heads to Afghanistan (Evyagotailak) 2742
301 – 2(4): Fighting Poverty in Nunavut (Tootoo) 2742
302 – 2(4): State of Local Emergency in Rankin Inlet (Curley) 2744
303 – 2(4): Alcohol & Drug Usage Diseases in Nunavut (Arreak) 2745
304 – 2(4): Relocated Inuit Owed Recognition & Apology (Barnabas) 2745
305 – 2(4): Tranquilization of Polar Bears (Kattuk) 2746
306 – 2(4): New Hamlet Councillors at Gjoa Haven and Taloyoak (Aglukkaq) 2747
307 – 2(4): Live Broadcast of Assembly Proceedings (Tapardjuk) 2747
375 – 2(4): Status of Small Craft Harbours for Nunavut (Arvaluk) 2749
376 – 2(4): Apology to the NEU Regarding Member’s Statement (Curley) 2751
377 – 2(4): Emergency Management Plans (Barnabas) 2753
378 – 2(4): Impact of Budget Measures on GN Staff Housing (Tootoo) 2756
379 – 2(4): Poor Air Conditions at Sanikiluaq’s Nuiyak School (Kattuk) 2758
380 – 2(4): Nunavut Arctic College Campus at Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 2760
381 – 2(4): Western Hudson Bay Polar Bears (Alagalak) 2763
382 – 2(4): Qikiqtarjuaq Airport Terminal Building (Arreak) 2765
383 – 2(4): Quantity of Petroleum Products on Sealift (Simailak) 2766
003 – 2(4): Repulse Bay Health Centre (Mapsalak) 2768
175 – 2(4): Letter to IPY Federal Program – Support Letter for NTK on its Application for Funding Through Government of Canada Program for International Polar Year (Kattuk) 2769
176 – 2(4): Legal Services Board of Nunavut Annual Report for 2006/2007 (Okalik) 2769
177 – 2(4): Interim Financial Report of the GN (Unaudited) March 31, 2007 (Tapardjuk) 2770
Bill 23 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2008-2009 – Consideration in Committee – Health & Social Services 2770
Minister of Energy and Education, Minister Picco.
Minister’s Statement 127 – 2(4): Local State of Emergency in Rankin Inlet (Picco)
I would like to take this opportunity to inform the House on the issue with power in Rankin Inlet.
Rankin Inlet’s power plant has four engines; two larger engines - one which carries the main load and one for backup; we also have two smaller engines to even out the load, and ultimately, to support the town in case there’s a failure.
Three days ago, Mr. Speaker, one of the larger engines failed.
The parts required to secure that engine were ordered and will be available only next week. Two days ago, the second large engine failed.
The hamlet has been running on the two small engines, which meant that the plant could not carry the load at peak time, and thus, there were power shortages.
At that time, the QEC mechanics from Rankin Inlet were in Whale Cove making some necessary repairs; a pair of mechanics from Toromont, which is the engine’s manufacturer, were also secured in Winnipeg and they landed in Rankin Inlet that day to repair the large engine; QEC senior operations staff members, as well as technical support from Iqaluit, are currently in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday afternoon, one of the smaller engines had a small fire and the fire was put out quickly, however, it damaged the engine. At that point, we did not have the electrical capacity available for the community even in the off-peak hours.
A plane was chartered to Whale Cove to bring back the QEC mechanics to Rankin Inlet and all businesses and organizations where backup generators were at to start using them in order to minimize electrical demand in the hamlet.
At that point, Mr. Speaker, the President of QEC spoke with Mayor Lorne Kusugak and advised him of the situation. The mayor immediately went through the community radio and advised the people of Rankin Inlet of the situation and explained that there would be rotating and very restricted power.
Residents were asked to heat their homes while they had power.
Meanwhile, the minister’s office was updated on the situation, as were MLAs of Rankin Inlet, Minister Brown and Mr. Curley.
The QEC Board, who is also here now in Iqaluit for a board meeting, was also briefed.
Simultaneously, Mr. Speaker, the QEC staff were working to locate backup generators to fly into Rankin Inlet.
Peter Mackie, the Director of Operations, flew into Rankin Inlet last night in order to prepare for the arrival and installation of three of these generators.
At 20:00 last night, Mr. Speaker, Minister Brown and her Emergency Services staff, the Emergency Measures Organization, EMO, along with Mr. Curley, as well as senior staff from QEC and I met for a briefing here at the Legislative Assembly. By this time, Rankin Inlet had declared a local state of emergency. The mayor and CGS staff in the community were running through the emergency plan.
Mr. Speaker, this morning at six o’clock Eastern Time, a backup generator owned by Nuna Logistics was pulled back from a rock crushing site about one kilometre from Rankin Inlet.
And, as that was being secured, First Air with their Herc, have flown in from Yellowknife with another backup generator. The mechanics are still working to bring the second engine that failed back online.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Rankin Inlet, and indeed, all of the different groups, organizations, and businesses that have been supporting us during this very serious situation.
I can say, right now, that we’re hoping, in the next couple of hours this afternoon, to have one of the other generators up and running and having the generators that we brought into town serviced and up and running in the next 24 hours, and in 72 hours, having the capacity to be able to stop the rotating blackouts that we’re having now.
Again, everything that can be done is being done. We are also in contact with Manitoba Hydro officials as well as NCPC in Yellowknife, in the Northwest Territories, to assist us in this situation.
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and Housing, Minister Netser.
Minister’s Statement 128 – 2(4): Transfer of Seafreez 0B Turbot Quota to Southern Interest (Netser)