EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Can the Premier indicate what the government’s top priorities are for its last six months in the office?
Mr. Speaker, we have many priorities, but of course together we formed our number one priority with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated with their board and we met with the board members on a couple of occasions. We met together to come up with our mandate, Sivumut Abluqta. That’s still our priority.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, there were a lot of setbacks within our term here. We had three major fires. We had two schools and the power plant.
That slowed things down, but our priority for the next six months is to try to complete the mandate that we have agreed together as one to try to complete the status for the benefit of Nunavummiut.
Can the Premier indicate what he believes to have been the government’s three most important achievements over the last four years?
Speaker: The Hon. Premier of Nunavut, Hon. Peter Taptuna.
Mr. Speaker, there have been many achievements we have done through this government.
As you know, in the early days through legislation we were required to review the Education Act.
That’s one of them.
That’s where we initially formed the Special Committee to Review the Education Act.
That was one of the biggest priorities.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, that came about from legislation. The five years were up, so that was one of our tasks to complete.
I feel that through the special committee, many community consultations, many back and forth and letters on the Education Act we did bring forth to the committee for them to look at.
That’s quite an accomplishment.
As you know, there are a lot of things that still need a lot of work.
Again I’ve got to say that a lot of departments, when we lost the power plant in Pangnirtung, our people got together, our ministers and our officials, to try to rectify the situation that was dire.
It’s one of those things that we fear the most, where you lose a power plant in the middle of winter, but with good cooperation and assistance from the Northwest Territories, we managed to get things working again in Pangnirtung without any accidents, injuries, or loss of life.
That’s quite an accomplishment and that’s one the things that I’m quite proud of because it took a lot of departments to make sure that took place.
Again, one of the things that we look at is the Public Service Act that took eight years to complete. That’s one of the things that have taken place.
Mr. Speaker, there are many more accomplishments that we have done with this government.
I know there’s a lot more to be done yet and that’s one of the things about governments. We could be here another hundred years and there are still going to be lots of things that we’re going to accomplish.
Mr. Speaker, again, when we lost the school in Cape Dorset, it was a dire situation.
Again, the ministers and officials took care of that without any loss of life. It was a dire situation.
It took a lot of work from all departments, Finance, Education, Community and Government Services, and it took a lot of effort.
We had to coordinate people to make sure that things were taken care of, the needs of our people and the students.
Again, the situation in Kugaaruk where another school was lost, I understood that after one week the students from kindergarten up to grade 2, I believe, were already back in school. That took a lot of effort and a lot of sleepless nights for officials and ministers to accomplish that.
Mr. Speaker, I’ve got to commend the members that ensured that there was open communication between the government and the community. I appreciate the efforts put forward by the regular members from Pangnirtung, Cape Dorset, and Kugaaruk when these dire situations happen.
Again I thank the members for the assistance that they provided.
As the Premier indicated, there is much to do yet for Nunavummiut through this government.
With this in mind and in the spirit of looking forward, what advice would the Premier provide the next Assembly should he part of it or not?
I don’t have a crystal ball and as usual, we do have a transition process within the government for this transition from after general elections. That’s taking place at this point where we’re making it easier for the transition into the new government.
I don’t know where the new government may be and again, that’s something that we have to honour.
As the outgoing government, we do make transition plans for the next government to take place.
That’s one of the things we have started already at this point to make sure that once the general elections take place and there’s a new government sworn in, the transition is as painless as possible. There are many files that are ongoing and there are many things that still got to be done behind the scenes.
Again, with the help of all the departments, we will ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible.
I can’t say for sure whether we’re all going to be there, including myself. I don’t know that.
That’s why I indicated that I don’t have a crystal ball, but plans are already being put in place to make the transition a lot easier going into the next government.
Question 702 – 4(3): Status of Portable Classrooms for Kugaaruk (Qirngnuq)
First I would like to express my appreciation for all the support the community of Kugaaruk has received from the Government of Nunavut, from communities all across Nunavut and (interpretation) Canadians.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, we now know that the students are getting their supplies. I thank my colleagues for approving just yesterday the $10 million for the government to move forward with its plans.
For the sake of the people listening out there and (interpretation) the residents of Kugaaruk, (interpretation ends) can the minister provide an update on the specific plans for the purchase and installation of the modular classrooms in the community of Kugaaruk?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for asking for an update.
I’m happy to say that we were able to carry on with that. Right now the Department of Community and Government Services is in the process of working on the plan.
They are the department responsible for the assets.
Currently they still have to determine and they will probably find out quickly who will be constructing the new school. They’re working on the plans as we speak.
Secondly the portable classrooms that will be used for the classes are under preparation. We want to bring them into the community by this fall.
Currently they are focusing on six portable classrooms to be shipped to Kugaaruk.
That is happening as I speak. Obviously they are working on that development. I am also very happy that I am scheduled to travel to Kugaaruk on March 20.
I appreciate that replacing the lost school is a huge task and the government has worked very hard in a short period of time to address the situation.
Can the minister provide further information on how the modular portable classrooms will be shipped to the community of Kugaaruk?
The portable classrooms can only be shipped up via sealift, which is the case with most communities where bulky items are shipped. This will follow that same process. We expect that the classrooms will be put on a cargo ship scheduled to go to Kugaaruk.
Question 703 – 4(3): Inuit Language Protection and Revitalization (Joanasie)
My questions are for the Minister of Languages.
Earlier this month an academic from York University published a research paper on language loss in Nunavut. I intend to table this research paper later today for the benefit of the viewing public.
Mr. Speaker, in this paper the author, Mr. Ian Martin, provides his insight into the current situation of the Inuit language in our territory. In his paper, Mr. Martin also makes a number of recommendations to the federal and territorial governments.
My question for the minister is: can he indicate if he has had the opportunity to review this paper titled Inuit Language Loss in Nunavut?
Mr. Speaker, in relation to the member’s question on the study, at this time it is still in progress and we are behind schedule. However, this will be completed and I plan to table the report on this issue at our fall session scheduled for September. At this time, however, it is still under review and I have yet to see the report on it.
With respect to his question, Uqausivut 2 includes many details and subjects, including what he enquired about.
This work is still ongoing. Although we are behind schedule, what I can provide to the member is that phases 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are all separate phases, will be completed and this is part of the review. In particular phase 3 has many details pertinent to our regional bodies, including NTI as well as the regional Inuit associations.
We will partner with them to develop this plan.
This document that I will table shortly and which is the subject of my questions will be available to the minister for his information.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, subsection 24(2)(a) of the Inuit Language Protection Act says that the Minister of Languages is required to “develop policies or programs intended to promote increased learning, proficiency and linguistic vitality of the Inuit Language, including its revitalization through initiatives targeting communities or age groups in which there are special concerns about language loss or assimilation.”
Can the minister tell us what specific programs are currently being undertaken by the Government of Nunavut to protect and revitalize the Inuit language?
In my earlier response I indicated that many details are included in this review.
We are collaborating with the regional Inuit associations as well as with NTI.
The review will be completed in partnership. To reiterate, the subjects he is asking me about are included in this review.
I can only speak to it upon the completion of the review and it had been scheduled for the spring, but we are a bit behind schedule.
Nonetheless, it is obvious that this review will be completed by the fall session and a report will be available for tabling in the House.
Can the minister tell us today: what is the total amount of funding that the Government of Nunavut has allocated to programs designed to revitalize and protect the Inuit language for the upcoming 2017-18 fiscal year?
In regard to my colleague’s question about the amount, I can’t provide that detail at this time.
I have to consult with my departmental officials and once I have the amounts, I will be able to provide the funding amounts relative to his question.
Question 704 – 4(3): Support for More Daycare Spaces in Baker Lake (Mikkungwak)
Mr. Speaker, in the past the Minister of Education has frequently stated that when his department builds a new school in a community, that school will also include space for a daycare.
Sadly the plans for a new middle school in Baker Lake fell off the capital plan last year.
Can the minister provide an update on what other options might be available to Baker Lake to establish another daycare in the community?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for requesting that information. any community can establish a daycare.
With respect to private daycare initiatives, this has to be done by first identifying a facility as well as establishing their own (interpretation ends) society status. (interpretation) Once the society is established, the Department of Education would be able to provide funding for their operations of the daycare.
Our department is not responsible for acquiring facilities specific to daycares. The initiative has to come from the community.
With the establishment of the society, the funding becomes available for the operations of the daycare.
I can only encourage the residents of Baker Lake to identify a building for a future daycare space as well as the society status, as our department waits for applications for a future daycare, if they wish to operate it.
We just wait for applications.
I recognize that the government’s decision not to build a new middle school in Baker Lake is due to problems with attendance.
I can assure the minister that the community is working hard to address this issue.
The last school to be built in Baker Lake was the Jonah Amitnaaq School. It was supposed to have a daycare, but currently there isn’t one.
Can the minister explain why some new schools include daycares and others don’t?
Yes, indeed my colleague is truthful in bringing up the fact that not all schools have daycare spaces while some of the newer schools such as the one in Naujaat and newer schools include a daycare facility.
The need for daycare facilities was recognized and new school designs and/or school additions do include that, as this requirement was established after the construction of the Jonah Amitnaaq School was completed.
That is the situation today.
Obviously, as per my many references to that fact, new school designs or school additions include the requirement for daycare space.
This is the current requirement, but many of our schools don’t have daycare spaces as this requirement for such a facility was decided after the completion of those schools.
As an example, it occurred with the Jonah Amitnaaq School, which is the case today.
As long as the capital plan does not include a new middle school for Baker Lake, then the option of including a new daycare in that new school will also be on hold.
Will the minister commit to working with the community of Baker Lake through its DEA and other local organizations to identify other opportunities to establish more daycare spaces and to provide the necessary support to get those spaces open for those who need them?
Our students who may have been able to attend school if there were more daycare spaces are currently unable to attend.
The need for more daycare spaces in our community of Baker Lake is extremely important as it would result in students being able to attend their classes as required.
The Department of Education works on these issues through the (interpretation ends) Early Childhood Education (interpretation) Division and we have a full complement of staff. Our employees are able to work with local communities, such as Baker Lake.
Perhaps the local DEA can invite the officials to meet with them and the specialists in the (interpretation ends) early childhood division (interpretation) will be available from our offices. We have these positions in our offices.
Further, I want my colleague to be aware that we’re going to start reviewing the Child Day Care Act and ascertain what improvements are required to better manage daycares we operate. We will do a comprehensive review of the (interpretation ends) Child Care Act (interpretation) and my expectations are that there will be improvements.
I want to reiterate what I said earlier about the local DEAs, such as in Baker Lake, that can submit their application for assistance or if they want further information on establishing new daycare facilities so that this initiative can move forward.
I just want my colleague to know that.
Question 705 – 4(3): Departmental Positions (Enook)
Mr. Speaker, during Saturday’s sitting of the House the minister committed to getting back to me with detailed information concerning my questions about her department’s positions in Pond Inlet.
I appreciate having received a letter earlier today which indicated that the position of transportation programs officer in Pond Inlet is currently filled on an indeterminate basis.
For the record, can the minister confirm the total number of positions that her department currently has filled in Pond Inlet?
Yes, I do have the information for all of Nunavut where our department has positions. There are approximately 136 positions in total, of which 97 positions are filled and 35 positions are vacant.
Specific to Pond Inlet, our department has… .
Although this information isn’t completely updated, there are perhaps eight positions in Pond Inlet out of nine in total.
There is one position for the (interpretation ends) senior finance and administrative officer (interpretation) that is not actually based in Pond Inlet, but it is currently open.
If there are eight positions that are filled in Pond Inlet, for the record, can she confirm how many of these positions are currently filled on indeterminate basis and how many are currently filled on a term or casual basis?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member. They’re all indeterminate positions.
For the record, can the minister confirm which of her department’s Pond Inlet positions are currently vacant?
The letter we gave to the chair of the committee does not state or identify, but there doesn’t seem to be any vacant positions at this time in Pond Inlet.
Question 706 – 4(3): Update on the Activities Schedule of MV Nuliajuk (Rumbolt)
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, members. Good afternoon to the people of Sanikiluaq.
Mr. Speaker, my questions today are for the Minister of Environment.
As the minister will recall, I asked him a number of questions concerning the activities of the government’s research vessel during our recent fall sitting.
In his response, the minister indicated that his department had recently lapsed its five-year plan for the research vessel and that there would be a meeting early in 2017 to plan a schedule of activities for the vessel.
Can the minister explain how the government determines the schedule of activities for its research vessel?
The priorities of the research vessel are determined by the research meetings that occur there.
What projects that the proponents want to do are all put there, including the funding and where they’re coming from.
The people who run the boat, the people for environment, and the people who are doing the studies meet there and they come up with a plan and prioritize which projects they will do a research on in the coming year.
I also asked the minister last fall what activities the research vessel would undertake in the coming year.
In his response, he stated that there would be a meeting in January/February to determine the activities.
Can the minister tell us what the government’s research vessel will be used for during the upcoming 2017-18 fiscal year?
The vessel will be used for researching in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the list has not come back to me yet.
Hudson Bay is a large inland sea that seems to be rich in underwater marine life.
Can the minister indicate when we can expect to see the research vessel collecting data in the waters surrounding the Belcher Islands?
Unfortunately I can’t tell the member when that will be. A lot of the research that is done is external funding.
It is done through external funding as the funding that we have to do the research in Nunavut is limited. Like I told you, I have not got the results back of what research they want to do within Nunavut yet.
The hamlet or the HTO in Sanikiluaq can put a proposal in and say what they want studied.
I’m not saying it’s going to be done, but it would be looked at. They were doing some studies around Chesterfield Inlet and Wager Bay last year.
If there are resources to be studied around Sanikiluaq and the funding is there, then I don’t see why it shouldn’t be done.
The meetings dictate where they go and as of now I don’t know where the research is going to be done.
Question 707 – 4(3): Recommendations of Nunavut’s Coroner (Okalik)
As we are aware, the work of the department is piling up, especially when there was a coroner’s inquest into one of my constituents in January, and then there was the Auditor General of Canada’s report on the hospital and its recommendations.
For the benefit of hospital patients, will your department ensure that it will respond to the recommendations in these reports before going on to other tasks?
I appreciate the member speaking on behalf of the coroner’s report of the incident that happened and I can ensure the member that the Department of Health is looking over the recommendations from the report itself.
That being said, there are also a number of recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General’s report that have overlapped.
We will be able to track the progress of that through the action plan that will be forthcoming, that will be shared with committee members prior to the Office of the Auditor General’s appearance in the public accounts committee.
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I know the department is under barrage at times, but I feel that health care for Nunavummiut is and lives matter.
I stress that the minister stay focused and report on the findings from the department on these two reports in particular.
When can the minister report on these matters in the future?
I appreciate the member’s acknowledgement of the work that goes into when reports of this nature are brought to the attention of the Department of Health.
It may be a little bit off topic, but I am going to use it as a segue into informing this House that, because of all these reports that have come to the attention to the Department of Health; the Office of the Auditor General’s report, the recent coroner’s report, in addition to the privacy commissioner’s report upcoming; I have instructed the department to delay the implementation of the advisory board of the QGH.
Health care provision to Nunavummiut is a priority and that is where we need to focus what limited resources we have on.
At this time, like I said, I have instructed the department to delay the implementation of that board.
Yes, I agree. I know that it is very important. We need to get over and deal with them.
I would like to ask the minister when his department is going to respond to the recommendations. When will we be expecting a response to the report? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Hickes.
Hon. George Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I can’t commit to a specific time, I can assure the member and all members that when reports of this nature or topics of this nature come to the Department of Health, especially when we are dealing with the quality of care, it is the priority of the Department of Health to make sure that we not only respond to recommendations, but that we implement action behind those recommendations to make sure that incidents like the member has brought up don’t happen again, for one.
The department has taken a number of steps through our continuous quality improvement.
We’ve got designated people tasked to make sure that the quality of care for Nunavummiut is consistent across the territory and that the level of care that is being provided is what they expect and what they should expect.
Question 708 – 4(3): Negotiating Non-Insured Health Benefits (Angnakak)
Mr. Speaker, during this recent sitting my colleagues and I have raised a number of issues with respect to funding for health services.
With respect to a number of issues, such as medical travel and accommodation, for example, the minister has often indicated that the costs related to providing their services are closely tied in with what is covered under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
Can the Minister of Health clearly describe the process that is followed when he and his staff attempt to negotiate for additional financial support from the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program?
The member’s timing is impeccable. Negotiations are ongoing, as I stand here, with Health Canada specifically on non-insured health benefits funding and care that’s provided through that agreement.
That being said, those discussions don’t just happen when an agreement comes to its sunset. There are continual conversations that occur on establishing rates for boarding homes, medical travel, food allowances, and prescription care.
There are a number of different factors that play into the continuous dialogue that happens with Health Canada on the provision through non-insured health benefits.
That being said, I am very much looking forward to see how negotiations continue to progress with this next phase of our agreement with Health Canada on NIHB.