EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Maybe at the next sitting, we should invite those people and, can you plan or is it difficult to recognize them because I want to see them recognized in the legislature because like I said they do a lot of travel and they help reminding the Nunavummiut that suicide is not the best answer to do to our lives.
So, I think we should try to make them in the future.
Yes, what the member is talking about is very sensitive and very good because he wants those people that went on the dog team to each community to be recognized.
I will give Mr. Blais the chance to give us more answers.
The suicide committee or the Healthy Living Committee as it’s now called I think has done an outstanding job of looking at a whole series of initiatives to help reduce the incidence of suicide in Nunavut.
It’s only about a year old so, I think in essence it’s just starting to make some progress.
It’s dialoging with communities.
Why is one community affective and has a low rate of suicide and why does another have a high rate of suicide.
So, we’re trying to look at any common factors that would help us do that.
The other thing is that we have been very successful I guess through the Embrace Life Council to obtain a grant of $1.5 million for the next five years to begin what they call a fall back study to evaluate every suicide that takes place to determine what the factors are that make people do this.
They are different from one community or jurisdiction to the other.
That will also help us target our specific initiatives to achieve that.
The last meeting that we had, we talked about the importance of recognizing people who volunteer or do great things in this particular area.
We will be discussing that again at our next meeting to see if there should be a reward for what I would call people who promote healthy living and make a difference in our community.
That recognition component or piece that you’ve just talked about is very important.
It’s very important for this committee as well.
We’ll be looking into that and if you’d like to give us the names of those three individuals, our department would be more than willing to bring them here to here to be recognized.
We are on page H-13, Health and Social Services.
I’m glad that my colleague raised that question.
I look at some of the documentation and I didn’t see any promotional stuff from our own government yet.
They’re probably on the way but I did see the ones that are produced by our counterparts in the Government of the Northwest Territories.
It lists all the agencies or groups that should be consulted, people that may or may not have suicidal or depression state or something of that kind.
I was amazed throughout the discussion that there were no references made what so ever for local parishioners, the priests or the pastors or what.
Are they out of this loop or are they consulted at all because I really think they do a tremendous amount of work in what ever the situation is.
I was absolutely amazed that they’re not part of the promotional documents.
Are you consulting with them as well because they do a lot of work.
It’s just that they don’t publicize their counseling services.
I think it would be a shame if you didn’t for fear of it appearing to be religious.
Don’t be trapped into that, go and consult with him because the government is part of the community because in the end, when the life eventually ends, they are there to comfort the family.
Are you doing something to consult with them?
The member raises a good suggestion.
It would be very helpful if those religious leaders in the community can be involved and they do a lot of help in the communities.
We will look into it and I will make sure that they are included in those healthy community volunteers.
I would also like to recognize what Mr. Kattuk mentioned February 17 to the 19th.
There was a conference on suicide prevention in Kuugaaruk.
A bunch of people from Nunavut communities were involved and there were 60 all together.
They will be distributing the information that they receive from that workshop or the conference to their community.
Selene Ninngaq was involved in that, and Lori Anne Idlout were the coordinators and I would like to recognize them and to thank them.
Mr. Curley’s suggestion will be considered.
(Did you put it down?)
Yes, Mr. Blais wrote it down.
Mr. Curley: I thank you. (interpretation ends) Yes, that’s good.
We heard in the Kivalliq Region the other day that there was an individual medically evacuated out.
Apparently, he was brought to Winnipeg.
If he was in a better condition, they would have brought him to Churchill, but they brought him down to Winnipeg, and he ended up walking by himself.
It’s very important.
He must have been very ill because he was brought down to Winnipeg.
Can you make sure that this doesn’t happen again because we heard about it and he is my wife’s relative?
When something like that happens, you think about what’s happening with the department.
Are you going to resolve that?
That issue has been brought to our attention already, and if we could find out the name of that person, I guess, it would be very helpful for us because at this point in time we know there has been an apparent incident, but without knowing who that person is specifically, it makes it very difficult for us to investigate at this point in time.
So any help anybody can give us would be appreciated.
Yes, I think I am sure you will be provided with the name of the individual.
We don’t say it here, but I think there are more than one specification that has gone through a laptop somewhere else and so on.
But even without knowing the name, why would you tolerate such a procedure or policy?
That is a reason enough to clamp down a procedure or policy that to provide such a thing.
It did happen more than once, and it happened, this issue was only about a month and a half ago.
So it’s quite recent news.
He assumed that if the procedures and policies are now being effectively improved so that situations like this will not happen.
Will you assure your nurses or whoever the groups are or airlines that if they are not going make a connection all of the way through, that there’s help for those patients that might be dropped off and so on.
That’s why you have a contract with that airline.
Yes, we have to tighten up on our policies when it involves a patient like that and I hear where the member is coming from.
When I heard about it, it also worried me and I instructed my staff to look into it and I can say today that the guidelines and our procedures will be tightened up and it’s very worrisome when something like that happens.
I just want to clarify for the official record Mr. Chairman, there are some HSS contracts in this contract and the list of contracts but the one I’m specifically referring to are the medivac’s, the medical travel.
There are 27 or certainly under 30 contracts in here.
Mr. Whitworth confirmed that there are up to 500 contracts, so, I’m wondering where the rest are and specifically I’m wondering where the contracts are for medivac’s, medical travel and the big ticket items.
So if the Minister or her officials can clarify that, when they’re talking to the Minister Responsible for Community and Government Services and update this report for us.
The answer to the member’s question, if we were asked for any specific contracts, that’s what we would have provided.
I’m not sure of the exact guidelines that were given by the department requesting the information but clearly if we didn’t provide the medivac’s, there is reason behind that.
We don’t pre-screen.
If we’re asked to provide certain information, we would provide that.
Mr. Peterson, anything else.
We’re on page H-18.
Treatment Program.
Total operations and maintenance $97 million 922 thousand.
We’re going back to page H-4, Health and Social Services Department Summary.
Total operations and maintenance, $215 million 219 thousand.
Does the committee agree that Health and Social Services is concluded?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Madame Minister, do you have any final comments before you go back to your chair.
I would like to thank the members and my officials Mr. Blais and Mr. Whitworth for answering questions with me.
Now we all know what is in the Department of Health and Social Services.
I would also like to say that (interpretation ends): I’ll switch to English because we’ve got capable interpreters that were there and I thank them very much and I recognize them for their hard work.
I feel I’m an elder because I’m a great grand mother and also I think I’m an elder.
I’ve been elected just like everybody else.
I tried my very best to do a good job and to be honest.
I tried very very hard to respect every one of you and I don’t say anything against anyone.
I don’t do that and I don’t want to have to do that.
I never want to do that.
I want to be treated the same as everybody else, like I treat you, I want to be treated the same.
I find it very very difficult to concentrate and I find it quite distracting when I see a member counting how many times I have asked my officials to respond or to answer questions for me.
I am sorry sometimes I don’t have all of the answers, but I wish I did.
That member communicating across the floor to another, I find that very, very disrespectful, and I don’t do that myself, I don’t make fun of my other colleagues.
Especially when I am still learning, and I want to learn, I am enjoying what I am doing.
I will try my very best to learn and represent the people that voted me in my position, and I want to do a good job.
Most of all, I would like to say that every one of us has a tough job, and all of you; I know you find that, too, because being elected officials, we are always under scrutiny.
I know many of you leave your families, your loved ones behind you to come here to Iqaluit, and we had difficult times, too, when we first came here because we were so homesick.
We are grown adults and we should, for myself I should be settled, but sometimes I am still homesick, but the people here in Iqaluit are very, very welcoming and very, very friendly.
But (interpretation ends) sometimes some of the ladies don’t really talk to me.
So I am learning.
I will have the same respect as long as you give me the same respect.
I will never change.
I am not going to be against anybody, but today, I have worked very, very hard.
Are you still counting?
Like it’s very disrespectful when you see somebody counting, and the only way to feel better is to talk about it.
So I would like to thank all of the people that I work with, and the people that are watching on the television.
It’s very good to be appointed as the minister. we have to be part of Nunavut and we have to be part of our own government.
Let’s go to the future together.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Brown and I would like to also thank your officials for being here with us.
It’s great that your department’s budget is done with.
(interpretation ends) We are going to deal with Mr. Simailak, Economic Development and Transportation.
Do you have comments?
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes I do, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
Chairman: Please proceed.
Hon. David Simailak: Thank you.
We are to present to you my department’s Main Estimates for the 2005/06 fiscal year.
I would like to announce that an additional $5.1 million to my department’s budget, which will provide new or enhanced economic development initiatives on behalf of the people of Nunavut.
These new initiatives consist of new money for:
the NNI Secretariat, which is now located in my department,
increased funding for the Nunavut Film Commission,
an allocation to the Francophone Association of Nunavut for a tourism program in the Francophone tourists to Nunavut,
the Nanisivik Mine closure, and,
a $4 million allocation for our government’s economic development priorities.
For the 2005/06 fiscal year, the departmental operations and maintenance budget is being reviewed is $44,664,000.
In 2005/06, the department will focus on the following priorities:
Continue to lead the implementation of the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy for the Government of Nunavut;
Develop and implement the Nunavut Mining Strategy in consultation with industry and Nunavummiut;
Begin implementation of the Arts and Crafts Strategy, which covers topics from copyright protection to developing new markets;
Support the City of Iqaluit in conducting a feasibility of the Deep Water Port;
Continue to work with Canada on the implementation of the Small Craft Harbours and Airport Investment Strategies;
Support developments that may lead to the territory’s innovative assets including broadband infrastructure and cold weather testing technology development;
Promote training to advance business development and entrepreneurial skills at the community and regional levels;
Fully implement the NNI Policy Secretariat within the department; and
Support negotiations with the federal government regarding devolution of authority for land and resource management to the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, my department will continue to be proactive, effective and efficient in the implementation of our mandate.
The delivery of services and programs by my department is aligned with this government’s focus on healthy communities, simplicity and unity, self-reliance and continual learning.
Those are all my comments Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Simailak.
I thought we’d wait for the minister and his officials to go up to the witness table.
Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Could you make your opening comments before we report progress?
Mr. Curley (interpretation): We will complete what’s at hand.
Mr. Chairman, I will be reading in English and Inuktitut at times.
The Committee has reviewed the 2005-2006 main estimates and business plan of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation and had the opportunity to meet with the Minister in January.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee recently received a letter from the Minister responding to concerns that we raised during his appearance before the Committee.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Minister for his courtesy in this regard.
Mr. Chairman, the House will recall that one of the goals we all agreed on during the Arviat Caucus Retreat was to “develop Nunavut’s economy, private sector and job market by aggressively implementing the Nunavut Economic Development Strategy’s focus on mining and other key sectoral areas including arts and crafts and tourism”.
The Standing Committee remains firmly committed to this collective goal.
Mr. Chairman, Members noted the recent Government of Canada announcement concerning the approval and signing of the land lease for Tahera’s Jericho property in the Kitikmeot.
Members believe that this is a positive step forward for the territory as a whole.
Committee Members have consistently advocated for training programs to help Nunavummiut secure mining-specific employment.
The Standing Committee looks forward to the tabling of GN’s Mining Strategy and to reviewing it with the Minister.
Mr. Chairman, as mining operations begin in the territory, the need for a devolution agreement becomes more and more apparent.
Committee Members support the Minister in ensuring that Nunavut benefits from mining to the utmost by pursuing a devolution agreement for greater control over our natural resources and increased royalties with which we can further develop our infrastructure.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee remains supportive of the Minister’s efforts to ensure that the mechanism that will be used to deliver Nunavut’s share of the $90 million in economic development funding that the federal government announced in last year’s budget will respect Nunavut’s priorities.
Mr. Chairman, Members noted that one of the Department’s priorities for 2005-06 is to fully implement the NNI Policy Secretariat within the department.
Members believe that the NNI policy is an important tool for fulfilling the GN’s obligations under Article 24 of the Land Claims Agreement.
However, Members are concerned that municipalities and other local entities that must adhere to the policy do not have the purchasing power to get the most value out of their limited budgets.
Members urge the Minister to re-evaluate the application of the policy and how it impacts at the local level.
Mr. Chairman, Members noted that the GN recently signed an agreement with Nunavut Tourism outlining how the government and Nunavut Tourism will promote the industry.
Members believe that tourism is extremely important to the economic development of our territory and look forward to the Minister tabling the agreement.
Mr. Chairman, while Members recognize the importance of tourism initiatives, Members are concerned by the apparent lack of transparency by which the department chose to provide one Iqaluit organization with a contribution of $150 thousand for each of the next two years.
Members would wish to be provided with detailed information with respect to the process by which the organization applied for funding, how the amount of the contribution was determined as well as the mechanisms that are in place to determine the effectiveness and accountability of the organization’s initiatives.
Further, Members urge the Minister to widely advertise the availability of funding for tourism initiatives and the criteria used when allocating those funds to ensure general public awareness of opportunities.
Mr. Chairman, Members also noted that the department will begin implementation of the Arts and Crafts Strategy in 2005-2006.
Members support the Minister’s efforts to secure a reliable supply of quality soapstone for carvers through the Carving Stone Strategy.
Members look forward to the tabling of both of these strategies during this Session.
Mr. Chairman, there is still a lack of clarity with respect to responsibility for harvesting-related economic development initiatives in the territory.
It is clear that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation funds the Nunavut Development Corporation and therefore has an interest in its subsidiaries, Kitikmeot Foods Ltd, Kivalliq Arctic Foods Ltd, and the Pangnirtung Fisheries Ltd.
It is equally clear that the Department of Environment is responsible for fish and wildlife management in the territory.
It remains unclear as to how the departments work together in the overlap between these two distinct areas.
Members are concerned that adequate mechanisms for cooperation do not exist.
Mr. Chairman, Members believe that the work of Community Economic Development Officers is essential for economic development in all communities.
The potential exists for CEDO’s to be an effective tool for entrepreneurs to access information on funding, ideas for new ventures and other forms of support.
Members are concerned that in some hamlets, CEDO’s do not receive the same benefits that they would as employees of the GN and therefore it is difficult for hamlets to retain experienced, well-trained staff.
Mr. Chairman, Members understand that a CEDO who is employed by the hamlet is clearly working for the hamlet and toward hamlet-set priorities.
At times nothing is too clear.
Members remain concerned that funding for these positions is not adequate and that this represents a downloading of responsibility to the hamlets without adequate resources.
Mr. Chairman, Members are also concerned with respect to the allocation of Community Initiatives Program funding.
Members recognize that this fund is now being allocated through municipalities which then allocate funding to specific projects.
Members encourage the Minister to annually table a comprehensive list of applications for CIP funding and other grants and contributions, including information on which projects were approved and which were denied.
In addition, Members urge the Minister to develop and track performance indicators to determine the effectiveness of these projects in contributing to the community’s economic base in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, our territory inherited several mechanisms for business development at the time of division.
Members have noted that the Government of the Northwest Territories is making significant changes to the structure of both its Development Corporation and Business Credit Corporation.
Members will continue to monitor these developments with interest.
Mr. Chairman, Members noted that a new $4 million contribution will be funded in 2005-2006 to support capital infrastructure priorities.
Members support the Minister in efforts to leverage more federal infrastructure funding for economic development.
Mr. Chairman, Members are concerned that studies for large scale infrastructure such as the deep sea port in Iqaluit will overshadow the need for more modest marine infrastructure in many communities across the territory.
Members are aware that the responsibility for marine infrastructure lies with the federal government.
However, the Minister has the responsibility to ensure that the day-to-day needs of smaller communities are not overshadowed by large-scale economic development initiatives.
Members urge the Minister to continue working with his federal counterparts to emphasize the need for breakwaters in communities across Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, Members were pleased to note several somewhat unusual arrivals at the Iqaluit airport this winter.
Clearly, international manufacturers of aviation technology are beginning to recognize that Nunavut has the ideal conditions for cold-weather testing.
Members support the Minister’s efforts to advertise Nunavut’s unique climate and increase our territory’s share of this market.
Mr. Chairman, Members further noted that the Iqaluit Airport has recently received an international designation.
Members understand that this designation will increase the amount of security measures required at the airport and that upgrades to the airport will be necessary.
Government of Canada news releases indicate that the federal government will be funding these upgrades, however, similar infrastructure improvements in Yellowknife raised the possibility of airport improvement fees for passengers flying into and out of that city.
Members would like the Minister to table detailed plans, including funding agreements, and a timeline for the upgrades at the Iqaluit International Airport.
Further, Members urge the Minister to ensure that our already high travel costs do not further increase as a result of Iqaluit’s designation as an international airport.
Mr. Chairman, Members appreciate that the Minister shares our frustration with respect to the negotiations with Nav Canada for adequate funding for Community Aerodrome Radio Stations.
Members are aware that several hamlets have given up operation of CARS in the last two years due to funding concerns.
Members encourage the Minister to continue this dialogue with his counterparts at the federal level and to continue supporting the hamlets in their CARS operations.
These are very important since we have a very harsh climate.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): I wish to report progress.
Chairman: There is a motion on the floor to report progress and it is not debatable.
Orders of the day, Item 20, Report of the Committee of the Whole, Chairman, Mr. Netser.
The Committee of the Whole dealt with Bill 8 and the Main Estimates, and the Business Plans.
Mr. Speaker, I move that the Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 16, 2005:
Motion 12-2(2)
Speaker (interpretation): The House stands adjourned until Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at 10:00 in the morning.
>>House adjourned at 20:15  Nunavut Canada
Wednesday March 16, 2005
Pages 1804 – 1907
Opening Prayer 1804
Ministers’ Statements 1804
Members’ Statements 1805
Returns to Oral Questions 1811
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 1811
Oral Questions 1816
Notices of Motions 1836
Motions 1837
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1843
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1905
Orders of the Day 1905
Wednesday, March 16, 2005 1804
087 – 2(2): Nunavut Heritage Centre – Trilateral Working Group (Tapardjuk) 1804
088 – 2(2): Principals Recognized for Achievements (Picco) 1805
222–2(2): Protest Against Seal Hunt (Kattuk) 1806
223–2(2): Support for People with Disability (Curley) 1806