EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
I’ll ask another question on that. Is the small craft harbour for Qikiqtarjuaq expected to be included in the plans for 2015-16?
No, it’s not included in the business plan for this year.
I just want further clarification (interpretation ends) on page 202, Priorities (2016-17), third bullet. (interpretation) It states, “Begin upgrading work on the Taloyoak air terminal building.” (interpretation) Does that mean that they are just going to be upgrading the Taloyoak air terminal building or will they construct a brand-new air terminal building?
It’s going to be a new air terminal.
Branch Summary. Transportation. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $29,352,000.
Let’s go back to page K-3.
It reads, Department Summary. Economic Development and Transportation.
Detail of Expenditures. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $69,037,000. Do you agree?
Are you agreed that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation is concluded?
Minister Kanayuk, we have concluded your department. If you have any closing remarks, I now give you the floor.
I would first like to thank the members for their excellent questions because we obviously have to be well coordinated.
I also thank my staff, my Deputy Minister, Sherri Rowe, and my Assistant Deputy Minister, Jim Stevens, and Director of Finance Tanya Winmill for being here.
We will proceed with the review of Nunavut Arctic College, but while we get the paperwork prepared, we will take a five-minute break.
>>Committee recessed at 16:06 and resumed at 16:15
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee
We will now be dealing with Minister Quassa, Minister of Nunavut Arctic College.
At this time, I would like to ask Minister Quassa, if you have any opening comments, you can now proceed.
Please note that I will be making my comments in English.
Today, I am pleased to present to members Nunavut Arctic College’s 2016-19 main estimates and business plan.
One of the priorities in Sivumut Abluqta is self-reliance and optimism through education and training, and Nunavut Arctic College has a key role in advancing this priority.
The college’s total budget for 2016-17 is $45.5 million, which is a $2.4 million decrease from the 2015-16 budget.
The majority of this decrease is from the reduction in third party funding, including the phasing out of federal funding for the Nunavut Adult Basic Education Program and the Early Childhood Education Program.
Total third party funding is $11.1 million for this fiscal year, down from $15.3 million in the previous year.
The college is actively working to renew and expand these funding agreements.
The contribution from the Government of Nunavut will be increased to $34.4 million from $32.6 million.
The balance of college revenues are from tuition and other sources of $4.1 million.
Since 2013, Public Health Canada and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada have invested significant funds that have allowed the college to develop and pilot early childhood education programs in Nunavut.
Nunavut is the only jurisdiction in Canada that does not have a permanently funded Early Childhood Education Program.
Research clearly shows that quality early childhood programs from infancy to six years of age help a child thrive all throughout their life.
With this funding, the college aims to graduate 70 students with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and certify an additional 150 child care workers through the applied certificate over the next five years.
In doing so, this government is recognizing the importance of early childhood education to prepare children and their parents for a successful start in life and school.
Environmental Technology Program
The college is also requesting an additional $255,000 to increase the staff of the Environmental Technology Program from two PYs to four.
This would allow for a new instructor position to be created that would be staffed through the competitive process by an Inuk that has the necessary skills and expertise to better incorporate Inuktitut and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit through the program while also lending much-needed assistance with course instruction.
It is also requested that an additional PY be funded for an equipment technician that is required to maintain the growing inventory of equipment used during course delivery throughout the year, including skidoos, boats, motors, and a functional lab.
Social Worker Program
The college is recommending investments in the Social Services Worker Program so that it can graduate sufficient students to make a material impact on services that are offered to clients who need access to social services.
The Social Worker Program trains people for employment in a number of critical areas, such as social work, probation officers, school counsellors, wellness centre workers, and addictions counsellors.
In doing so, this initiative supports many of Sivumut Abluqta’s objectives, including:
Supporting labour force training, development, and employment through strategic alliances with sector partners;
Addressing mental illness, addictions, and domestic violence by recognizing and providing resources for community-based solutions; and lastly,
Working with our partners, renewing and strengthening our efforts towards suicide prevention.
The college is requesting that this budget be increased by $215,000. This would provide the necessary resources to hire a program manager and pay for additional contract services to complete the review of the program to ensure it meets the employers’ expectations.
Pan-territorial Funding for Industry Training
The college is working with the Government of Canada on a long-term, multi-jurisdictional proposal to continue enhancing the delivery of non-base funded programs such as the Adult Basic Education Program.
The Pan-territorial Framework for Industry Training currently being reviewed has been designed to respond to existing and emerging industry-specific requirements across the north, with an emphasis on collaboration and capturing efficiencies across the three territories.
Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation
If my colleagues remember, in October during NTI’s annual general meeting, Premier Taptuna and President Towtongie jointly announced the formation of Makigiaqta and its incorporation.
Going forward, we will be actively working with our partners at NTI to bring unique opportunities for Inuit to have access to post-secondary education and training.
The investments from the Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation will be dedicated to increase significantly the availability of programs to focus on building capacity for a representative workforce in all of Nunavut.
This investment is key to attaining our objectives outlined in Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
In 2016-17, the college will continue to deliver on its core programs. In particular, I would highlight the cultural programming at Piqqusilirivvik, which strengthens and enhances student connections to their cultural identity as Inuit.
Satellite delivery of Piqqusilirivvik programming in the communities of Igloolik and Baker Lake has been very successful.
The delivery of similar programs could be facilitated through the community learning centre network or other groups that may be interested. There are 25 students from across Nunavut that have been invited to the spring session in Clyde River.
In 2015, the college established a publishing division that provides an opportunity to publish research and other materials.
In this past year, the college released eight new publications, including:
Utkuhiksalingmiut Uqauhiitigut Uqauhiliurut, Dictionary of Utkuhiksalingmiut Inuktitut Postbase Suffixes;
Tukisigiaruti Timittiaringnirmut – Health Glossary for Nunavut Educators; and
Six publications of the early childhood education series: Anguit The Hunter, Helping Friends, Nanuq and Avinngaq, Northern Lights, Owl & Raven, and the Sister & Brother.
The college is currently working on three new publications with various authors and editors.
This continues to grow as we are actively seeking new authors and editors to get engaged in our publishing program.
The college will be continuing its development and implementation of the Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence.
The Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence is part of the foundation for the eventual creation of a university college.
In support of this, I will be travelling next May with senior management of Piqqusilirivvik to meet with senior officials in Greenland.
During those meetings, we will be exploring the possibility of staff exchanges and resource development.
In order to move forward with the implementation of the Inuit Language Protection Act, Nunavut needs more bilingual teachers.
To support this initiative, I have recently given direction to the college to promote and revitalize bilingualism in the curriculum for the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
The college is looking into ways to expand its programming to provide appropriate training in public administration to increase not only the number of Inuit public servants in management positions, but also to increase the likelihood of these individuals reaching senior positions.
As the college looks toward the future, it needs to increase Inuit professional employment.
The college has been strengthening its core instructors through the Instructor Development Program and the recruitment of bilingual adult educators.
Next steps in this process will be to identify succession planning and mentorship for management positions.
Mr. Chairman and Members, in conclusion, the work undertaken at the college is critical to meeting this government’s mandate as well as to meeting the long-term challenges Nunavut faces.
(interpretation) Mr. Chairman, I would be pleased to answer any questions that my colleagues may have. (interpretation ends) Qujannamiik. Merci.
As the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness, I am pleased to make opening comments as we begin deliberations on the proposed 2016-17 budget of Nunavut Arctic College.
The Government of Nunavut’s proposed contribution to Nunavut Arctic College for 2016-17 is approximately $34.4 million.
The standing committee notes that the college’s overall budget for 2016-17 is somewhat less than anticipated due to the loss of third party funding.
However, members encourage the minister and the president of the college in their efforts to acquire additional third party funding for 2016-17.
Mr. Chairman, Nunavut Arctic College works closely with the government and other partners to improve employment opportunities for Nunavummiut.
Preparing, training, and educating Nunavummiut to enter the labour force not only supports our economy and improves our public service, but also helps to ensure that the services delivered match Nunavut’s needs.
The standing committee is hopeful that the college’s proposal, in conjunction with the colleges in our two fellow territories, for federal pan-territorial industry training funding will be successful
The standing committee recognizes and supports the college’s proposed focus on environmental technology and the social worker programs in 2016-17.
Members also look forward to updates on new programs being offered at the college in such areas as law enforcement and denominational minister training.
Mr. Chairman, one area in which services are greatly needed and for which the necessary education and training programs must be maintained is in the area of early childhood education.
It is well recognized that early childhood education plays an important role in preparing children for a life of learning.
Early childhood development is a critical stage in a person’s life that can determine their quality of health, well-being, learning, and behaviour in the future.
The standing committee would support a stable and long-term financial commitment from the government to ensure that early childhood educator certification programs are not affected by a lack of stable funding.
Mr. Chairman, the standing committee supports the college’s ongoing efforts in training and certifying Nunavummiut for health and wellness careers.
Members look forward to receiving regular updates on the numbers of college graduates who go on to successfully fill heath care positions across the territory.
The standing committee also supports the college in its efforts to improve programs relating to language services and encourages potential candidates across Nunavut to apply for interpreter/translator programs and certification programs.
Members recognize that investments are being made in the college’s Inuit Language and Culture Centre of Excellence, but have yet to receive any specific updates on progress in this area.
The standing committee recognizes that the college faces some challenges with its aging infrastructure, the lack of space in some facilities, and a shortage of housing for instructors.
The committee commends the ongoing dedication of adult educators who continue to work hard to deliver programs despite these and other difficulties.
Mr. Chairman, during the minister’s appearance before the standing committee to present and discuss his draft 2016-17 budget and business plan for Nunavut Arctic College, members were given to understand that the college will be playing a lead role in representing the Government of Nunavut on the Nunavut Inuit Training Corporation Advisory Council.
Standing committee members look forward to updates on the status of applications which are successful in the Nunavut Inuit Training Corporation review process.
I move to report progress to the Speaker.
Mr. Keyootak. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands adjourned until Saturday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m.
>>House adjourned at 16:45
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Pages 1495 – 1558
Opening Prayer 1495
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 1495
Report of the Committee of the Whole 1557
Orders of the Day 1557
Saturday, March 12, 2016 1495
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee 1496
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee 1497
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Environment – Consideration in Committee 1552
Speaker (interpretation): Good day, my fellow Nunavummiut, members, ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, (interpretation) and visitors.
I would also like to send my regards to my mother and to my family.
Mr. Rumbolt: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and fellow members.
Chairman (Mr. Enook) (interpretation): Good afternoon, my colleagues, (interpretation ends) Mr. Premier, (interpretation) and Nunavummiut watching the televised proceedings and listening to the radio broadcast.
Before we go to the orders of the day, I would first like to recognize Maatali Okalik, who is in the gallery.
Also, Joelie Sangoya from Clyde River, welcome to the House.
Let us proceed. In Committee of the Whole, we have the following items to deal with: Bills 10, 11, 12, and 13 and Tabled Documents 73 – 4(2), 116 – 4(2), 140 – 4(2), 149 – 4(2), and 70 – 4(3).
We wish to continue with the review of the 2016-17 Main Estimates of Nunavut Arctic College, followed by the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Department of Environment, the Department of Culture and Heritage, the Department of Justice, and the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut.
Are we in agreement that we first deal with the main estimates for Nunavut Arctic College?
Minister Quassa, before we go ahead with your department, do you have witnesses that you would like to bring to the table?
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good day, my colleagues.
Yes, I would like officials here with me.
Do you agree to let Minister Quassa’s officials go to the witness table?
Minister Quassa, please introduce your witnesses.
With me to my right is Joe Kunuk.
I had to look at him twice. He is the president of Nunavut Arctic College. Sitting to my left is Elaine Uppahuak-Prusky, Senior Business Officer.
Mr. Kunuk and Ms. Prusky, welcome to the House.
Yesterday, we started with the opening comments from Minister Quassa. Further, I believe that we also heard the reasons for most of the pages we are set to review and I think we can debate them at that time. Nonetheless, if there are any general comments related to the opening comments, I open the floor.
If there are no general comments, let’s start with the page-by-page review.
Page M-3.
Department Summary. Nunavut Arctic College. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $34,382,000.
Chairman (interpretation): Do you agree that Nunavut Arctic College is concluded?
Minister Quassa, if you have any closing remarks, I now give you the opportunity to make them.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank my colleagues for reviewing and approving the main estimates for Nunavut Arctic College. Further, I just want to inform my colleagues that we will implement the action items in our plans.
I also want to thank my officials with me at the witness table, Joe Kunuk, Elaine, and also another official standing by, Marcelo, who is here in the gallery, for their excellent work. I thank them all.
We will then move to the review of (interpretation ends) Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, (interpretation) but while we get the documents prepared, we will take a five-minute break. His officials are also not present yet.
Therefore, we will take a five-minute break while we get prepared for the next department.
>>Committee recessed at 13:42 and resumed at 13:47
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs – Consideration in Committee
We can now proceed with the committee meeting.
We will be dealing with the main estimates and business plan for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
I would like to ask (interpretation ends) Premier Taptuna (interpretation) if he has witnesses that he would like to bring to the table.
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Yes. Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Premier Taptuna would like to bring his officials in. Do you agree?
Premier Taptuna, please introduce your officials.
To my left is Cabinet Secretariat and Deputy Minister David Akeeagok and to my right, Corporate Services of EIA, Les Hickey.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickey and Mr. Akeeagok, welcome to the House.
Mr. Premier, if you have any opening comments, please proceed.
Hon. Peter Taptuna (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Good afternoon and thank you, colleagues and committee members.
I welcome the opportunity to present the 2016-17 Main Estimates for the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and the 2016-19 business plan.
Today, accompanying me is Mr. David Akeeagok, Deputy Minister, and Mr. Les Hickey, Director of Corporate Services.
As a central agency that provides support to cabinet, it continues to lead interdepartmental coordination on Sivumut Abluqta for departments and agencies and the overall work of the public service.
Besides interdepartmental coordination, it continues to move the Government of Nunavut’s policy discussions to ensure these interests are represented at the national and international levels.
There are five lines of core business:
Directorate;
Strategic Planning;
Sivumuaqatigiit;
Intergovernmental Affairs; and
Prior to the divisional details, I am pleased to report the department’s main estimates for the 2016-17 fiscal year, which total $27,886,000. As well, I am pleased to present the departmental business plan.
The main estimate amount is comprised of approximately $17.5 million allocated toward salaries and benefits, $190,000 for grants and contributions, an increase from 2015-16 of $90,000, and $10.2 million for remaining operations and maintenance costs.
The changes as they relate to the core business areas are as follows.
The Directorate, as you know, provides the overall management and coordination of activities for the Executive Branch of government. As secretary to cabinet, the deputy minister provides cabinet and ministerial support.
The branch also provides advisory services regarding access to information and privacy protection issues, communications, and administrative support to both the department and the Utility Rates Review Council. The Directorate also supports the Senior Personnel Secretariat function.
In addition to providing broad advice on government business planning, strategies, policies, legislation, and the support on collecting statistical information, the Strategic Planning Branch has been responsible for working directly with the Department of Finance to oversee the operational audit, as committed to in Sivumut Abluqta.
We have received the consultant’s report on the first phase of a comprehensive operational audit to understand which of our programs are working and which need improvement to better serve our public.
The Sivumuaqatigiit Branch is responsible for providing human resources planning and direction on initiatives aimed at increasing and maintaining Inuit employment in the government and for providing assistance and support to departments in training and developing their staff, including interns.
The branch is also responsible for leading and coordinating initiatives to support the government’s decentralized model. The Sivumuaqatigiit Division has also launched the Hivuliqtikhanut Program.
This is a program geared to enhance leadership development within the Government of Nunavut.
The Supervisors Series was launched in September of 2015 and the Senior Managers Series is slated to start in May of 2016.
In fiscal year 2016-17, Intergovernmental Affairs will dedicate funding of $300,000 to Protocol.
While the overall budget remains within Intergovernmental Relations, it is traced by cost centre.
This will provide support and first-point-of-contact services for visits from foreign dignitaries and government officials.
This division will also coordinate with departments the overarching approach to matters related to seniors. As well, the division continues to manage relationships with aboriginal, circumpolar, and international organizations.
To assist with the management of relationships, Aboriginal Affairs has dedicated an additional $90,000 to grants and contributions for the next three fiscal years.
As a result of the settlement of the lawsuit filed by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated against the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut will see an increase in the amount transferred through a third party agreement to implement varied provisions within the land claims agreement.
The settlement agreement has also set out specific funds to implement Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. It should be noted that the funds to implement the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement are categorized as Vote 4/5 funds and are not reflected in the general estimates.
The Devolution Secretariat leads both the Government of Nunavut’s preparation for and participation in negotiations with the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
In fiscal year 2016-17, $339,000 in additional funds were allocated to the operation and maintenance for the secretariat to support ongoing negotiations, which is included in the overall departmental budget I mentioned at the beginning.
The Devolution Secretariat has moved forward in a reorganization of their present complement of positions to allow for much-needed financial expertise within the secretariat, to initiate strategic planning and prepare for transition and implementation, to increase research and analyze activities undertaken in-house, to ensure the secretariat’s activities are supported by a strong project management foundation, and to align managerial reporting structures.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Premier Taptuna.