EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Some of them are quite capable while others require further training, but we would like to see all incumbents be strong in offering opportunities to develop economic development within their communities. That is why we have earmarked additional funds for training, including other professional development courses.
When they have discussions through training, they discuss improvement opportunities and other training opportunities.
Again, I appreciate hearing about these training opportunities, as they are the main contacts for economic development and opportunities for growth to the community.
What other assistance outside of the community or within your department is available for these positions to ensure they provide the services that are outlined as their duties?
I’ll refer the question to Ms. Rowe.
The community economic development officers can also work with our regional staff.
In each regional centre, we have economic development staff that they can work with to provide them with further assistance.
I will offer my support and urge the department to commit to supporting these employees in the communities who work in this field. They do provide valuable development assistance to the community and offer more programming assistance and opportunities to the local residents. I would like to see more exposure about their roles to Nunavummiut.
I would like to go back to the question about country food.
I didn’t ask this question. The fiscal year is almost ending and last year, you put aside funding for country food distribution of $1,868,000. How much of that funding has been used?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Just one moment, please. It was right in front of me, so bear with me.
For 2015-16 expenses, we are expecting an approved budget of $1,868,000. We believe $1.2 million will be spent this fiscal year.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for the response and it’s understandable.
I think they amended their policy. I can’t recall if it was tabled in the House. Maybe they can refresh my memory.
The policy is available to the public on the website, but we haven’t tabled it in the House.
We amended it in 2015 for the (interpretation ends) Country Food Distribution Program. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Perhaps if she tables it in the House, we can all see it.
I think that’s just a comment and I didn’t hear a question.
I’ll again recognize Mr. Mikkungwak.
My one last question is on page K-5. Business plan, 195, Community Tourism & Cultural Industries Program. (interpretation) I see Nunavut Inuktitut singers on the computer, some are youth, and they sound very good.
How are you going to make the budget grow for performing arts so that it can be promoted more?
With respect to the funding for (interpretation ends) cultural tourism, (interpretation) perhaps my deputy minister can clarify that.
Currently, we are working on monitoring and supporting activities in cultural tourism.
What we have is we have funding available to individuals that they can apply for and we can help them or get them started with a business or to get training.
What we are trying to do is promote all forms of art across the territory.
Economic Development. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $27,659,000.
As you have just agreed, I would like to take a 15-minute break.
At this time, we will break for 15 minutes.
>>Committee recessed at 14:54 and resumed at 15:18
We will continue with the review of the main estimates for the Department of Economic Development and Transportation.
We will go to page K-6. We will get started right away. Mr. Rumbolt.
My questions are going to be related to page 202 of the business plan and I’ll quote from the business plan before I ask my questions.
One of the department’s priorities for 2015-16 was to “Conduct planning work for remediation and removal of decommissioned airport buildings in Qikiqtarjuaq, Coral Harbour, Nanisivik, Sanikiluaq and Resolute Bay.” Their status says, “A cost estimate has been determined for the work required at Sanikiluaq.”
Cost estimates have not yet been established for the other communities.
One of your priorities for 2016-17 says, “Complete planning work for remediation and removal of decommissioned airport buildings” in the communities I named before, Qikiqtarjuaq, Coral Harbour, Nanisivik, Sanikiluaq, and Resolute Bay.
I’m wondering if the department can update us today on… .
You have secured the funding for Sanikiluaq and not the others. Is it your intent to secure funding for all the other communities before any work is done?
I thank him for the question. We don’t have the planning right now.
To say it in English, (interpretation ends) there are currently no definitive plans in place at this time. However, the department continues to assess options and they will complete planning work as soon as possible.
It states in here that you secured funding for Sanikiluaq’s remediation and removal. Is it your plan then to go no further with the planning of this community’s removal of the old airport terminal building until you secure funding for the other communities?
Once we have funding, we will do Sanikiluaq.
According to your business plan, it says that you have secured funding for Sanikiluaq. When can we expect planning to commence for the removal of the Sanikiluaq old airport terminal building?
If the member can point us to where he’s seeing that there have been monies assigned.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Mr. Rumbolt, please.
Maybe I read this wrong, but on page 202 of your business, it says,
“A cost estimate has been determined for the work required...” Okay, I guess I misread that. I thought it was that they secured the funding for that particular community. I guess I’ll change it a bit.
When do you expect to have the funding secured for all the communities?
It’s subject to programming reviews.
What kind of programming review has to be done in order to carry out this work?
I’ll have our ADM, Mr. Stevens, answer that question.
Basically, we haven’t completed the studies for the other ATBs. What we are going to be doing is probably an omnibus kind of approach to remediation. Maybe I’ll stop there.
Is it the department’s plan to secure funding and have a plan in place to deal with all the communities at once or will you be dealing with each community individually?
There are four airport terminal buildings that need to be decommissioned.
It would be for four of those projects, which are Sanikiluaq, Qikiqtarjuaq, Coral Harbour, and Resolute Bay.
Is your plan then to issue, maybe when the time comes, one RFP or one tender in order to deal with all the airport terminals at the same time or will they be done individually for each community?
At this time, we are not at that stage yet and once we have better knowledge of the company that did environmental assessments for all four projects, we will be able to answer that.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Alex Sammurtok.
Mr. Alexander Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) On page 202, Priorities (2016-17), fourth bullet, “Begin construction of the new Kivalliq Regional Visitors Center, as per Capital Plan.”
Can the minister indicate which community it’s going to be built at?
It would be built in Rankin Inlet.
Mr. Sammurtok: In your opening remarks, you indicated that there will be two new positions for vehicle clerks, one in Rankin Inlet and one in Cambridge Bay. (interpretation) At this time, I know that in Rankin Inlet, there’s a (interpretation ends) casual worker (interpretation) position being held. (interpretation ends) Would the one in Rankin Inlet be put out for competition or will the person who is there who already knows what they’re doing get a direct appointment?
At this time, the Department of Economic Development and Transportation has two (interpretation ends) long-term casual employees (interpretation) for the Motor Vehicles Division, one in Rankin Inlet and one in Cambridge Bay. They will be (interpretation ends) direct appointed (interpretation) if approved.
Mr. Sammurtok: In your business plan, page 209, PYs, 2015-16, 141 PYs, but for 2016-17, 137.
Why are you decreasing the PYs and what accounts for this decrease and in which departments?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Itsivautaaq. (interpretation) With respect to these positions, this year, the four positions are specific to the Iqaluit International Airport project. The contractor has taken on some of the responsibilities of these positions. However, there are other duties left over that are required under the contract.
We had to hire a manager to administer the contract. That is the main reason for that position.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) The minister (interpretation) should recall that I frequently have asked this question related to access road funding.
Mr. Chairman, I was diligent in trying to increase that amount with the underlying reason that this fund is heavily utilized by my constituency in relation to economic development opportunities. This would allow communities more opportunities to develop tourism destinations and further, it would create opportunities for existing businesses or fisheries or other sectors.
With that being the case, we were initially quite pleased with the increase to access road funding.
I would first like to ask the minister: last summer, in this fiscal year, did they deplete all the funding for this line item?
I would also like to thank the member for asking that question because access roads are very useful in the communities. There are access roads to parks and recreational facilities. If they want to build an access road near the community, it is very useful.
From our department, in 2015, $3,199,000 was requested by 19 communities. All the applicants divided up the funding. They had to reduce the funding so that it could be utilized in all communities because there is a large uptake of the program, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, it’s very good to hear that because there is a lot of interest for the funding.
With that, the minister and the assistant deputy minister for transportation are aware that Coral Harbour, which I represent, has built an access road quite far from the community and they have almost reached their destination.
It’s a little over 30 miles, if not longer. That’s how far the access road has to be developed.
The summer season is quite short.
Is there a funding cap for each community?
There is no cap. For example, the project you referred to in Coral Harbour, the Kopak Hill to (interpretation ends) Duke of York Bay (interpretation) project is fairly close to the end of the specified destination. However, we expect this to continue for another two years prior to reaching that point.
I reiterate that there is no hard cap, Mr. Chairman. It will depend on the project, the ultimate destination, and the number of jobs created, which are reviewed for approval.
Mr. Mapsalak, are you finished?
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Yes, I’m done. Thank you.
Ms. Angnakak (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I would like to ask about the aviation scholarships.
How many Nunavummiut participated in that and how was the money used?
The money is used as a scholarship for students wanting to pursue aviation-related careers in the north.
They can receive up to a $5,000 scholarship.
Can the minister tell us how these applicants are chosen?
The 2015-16 approved applicants for a $5,000 scholarship are: Brian Aulajut, Todd Ryan, Ethan Komaksiutiksak, Richard Manitok, and Jeremy Maley.
Can the minister tell us how they’re chosen and what is the criteria?
Scholarships are offered to full-time residents of Nunavut and they have to have a two-year minimum residency requirement. They need to pursuing full-time aviation related studies. The studies can be related to airline or airport operations or management, aircraft maintenance, and/or pilot training.
Can the minister tell us then, once somebody has been accepted and he or she attends school in that area, what kind of follow up is done, if any?
Do you just give this $5,000 or do you have some kind of follow-up?
We don’t have a formal follow-up procedure at this time.
If somebody says that they’re going to this type of school and then they drop out one month later, do you have any way of knowing that that has happened?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you, Chairman.
We don’t do a follow-up at this time.
Can the minister commit to maybe working with her staff that there is a follow-up?
Since this is public money, we want to ensure that the money is being spent the way that people say they’re going to.
I would like to go to on to something else and that’s the airport here in Iqaluit.
I’m going to ask a little bit of a different question.
A while ago, and I can’t remember when, it could have been last year, I think the department put out a call for the new airport. They wanted a restaurant or something like that and other things like little stores.
Can you tell us the status on that and who was chosen?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk: Thank you. (interpretation) I will have my Assistant Deputy Minister, Mr. Stevens, respond to that.
There was an RFP process and that RFP has resulted in some recommendations. I believe negotiations are still ongoing with a successful proponent.
Can the department tell us how many proponents were successful and they are in negotiations with?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that question.
It’s not one of my day-to-day duties, so my assistant deputy minister will respond to that.
I don’t have that information available with me. I will endeavour to get back.
Can the department tell us how many areas are going to be used for commercial use then?
To date, we don’t have that information, but we can provide it to you once we get it.
We will be expecting it.
One last question about the airport.
We have discussed it many times before and I’m not too sure if we got anywhere with it and I don’t even know what you call it, you know, to get on the plane so that you don’t have… .
If you’ve got mobility issues, you don’t have to go up by a wheelchair or anything like that. I know that the department before had said that that was not going to be included in the new airport, but every time they come before us, we always like to ask if there’s any change in that area.
On behalf of those who have mobility issues, I’m asking if you have put any consideration into that since the last time we talked about it.
We are trying to work collaboratively with those who travel via air transportation to ensure that they are properly served, especially in the embarking of handicapped passengers in the easiest and least intrusive way. Nonetheless, as to the actual status today, I will have to defer to my Deputy Minister, Ms. Rowe, to delve into the details.
Currently where we are with that is, as a department, EDT is looking into other types of devices that can be used to help individuals board an airplane with dignity.
In the actual capital budget of the airport, it was determined there would be no boarding bridges, which are the large bridges like in southern airports.
What we’re now looking at is how to determine if we can fund mobile devices. They’re just like little ramps with wheels that can go up to the plane. It’s good not only for people with disabilities but also for people with young children because, when you’re walking up those steep stairs and you’re carrying bags and your children, that poses quite a bit of danger too.
We are looking into what we can do about the situation because we would like to see devices in place at the airport.
Moving on, Mr. Qirngnuq.
I have a question related to page 202, where it is stated that work on the Taloyoak Airport terminal will commence on that date.
I am quite happy that it is listed in the 2016-17 capital items.
What I want to ask about is the materials to construct this building can only arrive via sealift in the summer.
Obviously, it would be prohibitively expensive to transport the materials other than through marine transportation.
Upon their arrival to the community, will the project be immediately started in the community for the airport terminal building?
This is specific to capital items, but I imagine people expecting this would want to hear the update, so Minister Kanayuk, can you respond to his request?
The Taloyoak terminal project is currently under the design phase and it was awarded in October 2015.
Now the design phase is expected to be completed by March 31, 2015. Perhaps I will say it in English. (interpretation ends) The tender for construction is expected to be issued by March 31, 2015. (interpretation) The contract will be awarded in that year.
You just stated that construction would start in March… . The RFP would be in March 2015. Have you finished with the RFP?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): I’m sorry. There was a typo here.
It’s March 31, 2016, which is in the very near future.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. To Mr. Qirngnuq’s question, if the material comes in on this summer’s sealift, will construction start right away this fall?
If you could respond to that question, Minister Kanayuk.
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Thank you for asking that question. Yes, we expect that work to start this summer.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you for explaining that, Minister.
It’s like she read my mind. She answered my next question, so I thank the minister.
My other question is on the 2017-18 priorities, when the Taloyoak Airport is supposed to be completed. Will it be completed in 2018 or 2019, even though it’s not written there?
We expect it to be completed in 2018.
In your business plan on page 202, the bottom bullet… . We are always wanting to keep jobs in our communities and wanting more jobs in our communities.
This one says, “Review the capacity of the Transportation Policy & Planning division to determine the optimal staffing required, ensuring that proper oversight is given to the department’s operations in Gjoa Haven and Rankin Inlet.”
Can you explain to me what that means?
The Transportation Policy and Planning Division makes sure that there are enough staff in the communities.
We are responsible to ensure there are enough staff. My deputy minister can add to my response.
Ms. Rowe, would you like to supplement that response?
The Transportation Policy and Planning Division has staff in Iqaluit but also has staff in Gjoa Haven and Rankin Inlet.
What we are looking for is reviewing to see if we maybe need more positions in that division.
I think we do need more positions in Gjoa Haven, at least one more. I think the lady there was asking for another person for the last while.
The other one is on page 205, the very bottom bullet. It has to do with GPS systems.
Your department’s draft 2016-17 business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to “Complete the identification of community airports which would benefit” - I think all the airports in Nunavut would benefit - “from the installation of GPS systems, and continue to work with Nav Canada and private consultants to implement changes to those airports which require immediate change.”
As of today, what is the status of this work?
This technology is critically important here in Nunavut for (interpretation) instrument approach procedures. (interpretation) We have been in discussions with NAV CANADA. We expect this technology to be installed in Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Kimmirut.
Mr. Akoak: Just one more question.
Would there be anything done in the Kitikmeot region?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): I’m sorry, but can he repeat his question? I didn’t hear it.
Mr Akoak, if I understand you, let me ask the question for you.
Will there be any kind of GPS work done in the Kitikmeot region?
That was his question.
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): I apologize, as I wasn’t listening to the floor as I was discussing it with my official.
There are seven communities in Nunavut that are identified for installation of this technology. However, we have to request funding from NAV CANADA.
Three requests have been approved for the communities I listed.
We expect the other communities to be approved eventually.
Nonetheless, the other airstrip equipment requests will require that we submit them for approval.
I don’t have the information as to their status, but I can provide it later.
Before I return to the member, once the information has been received, can you ensure that you provide it to the Chairman so that we can have the information for our review?
Hon. Monica Ell-Kanayuk (interpretation): Yes, the other communities where plans have been made to install this equipment include Baker Lake, Kugluktuk, and Igloolik.
I don’t think we should have any further expectations of this information as it has already been provided.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to thank Minister Kanayuk-Ell for the 20-year capital plans and I have made sure to do some reading.
I would like to make a supplement to the Iqaluit airport terminal and I asked questions about it last year on March 10, 2015. I’m sure the minister remembers the questions on this issue.
The minister indicated that they were in the process of drafting up the report and it would be made available on March 10 in the spring sitting.
Why haven’t we seen the report yet?
Are your questions on the Inuit Employment Plan?
We had to get the information on the Inuit working at the terminal. Is that the question, Mr. Chairman?
Yes, he’s nodding his head.
If you would proceed, Minister Kanayuk.
Every month, our staff puts together information about Inuit working at the airport. They have numerous discussions about Inuit employment to ensure their numbers are adequate, as indicated previously and as part of the monthly review.
As I indicated earlier, Inuit employment was at 18.9 percent at that project, which is higher than was originally intended.
The reviews are almost completed and as I said earlier, we will make an annual tabling of the report to the Legislative Assembly as soon as we have completed it.
Can the minister tell us how many employees is 18.9 percent?
If we look at all the people working at the Iqaluit air terminal and 18.9 percent are Inuit, could the minister elaborate further on that?
I can only give him a percentage of Inuit employment at this time.
The first annual audit of the project company’s Inuit engagement in the construction aspects of the project has been completed.
The audit indicates that AILP, the contractor, met their obligations with the 18.09 percent Inuit employment at their site.
Last year during my questioning, they were getting more people employed from outside of Iqaluit. Is it the same case with the Inuit? Is it at the discretion of the contractor to get employees from anywhere in Canada?
I think what we can do is put community engagement and Inuit employment in the data that we would table.
As you probably know, I am reading the business plan in Inuktitut and the references to pages is quite divergent from the English pages. In the Inuktitut version, it is on page 217, but I don’t know the corresponding page in the English version.
It speaks to two bullets.
It states, “Plans to develop a marine facility in Pond Inlet were announced by the Federal Government in June 2015. A business case has been completed for the Qikiqtarjuaq facility. The department will continue to lobby the new federal government on the remaining harbours.”
What is the status of that?
We were very pleased that the federal government provided funds for Pond Inlet and Iqaluit. They will proceed with these two projects and we look forward to making an announcement in the House if these projects will go ahead.
We will be initiating new projects and we are very pleased that we are able to start them. I also talked to the federal government about looking at future infrastructure projects.
The one in Pangnirtung has been completed, but we would like to start similar projects in Qikiqtarjuaq and Clyde River under the Small Craft Harbours program.
We also look forward to initiating that type of work in other communities.