EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
So those rules have been in place for four years and have not changed, and there has been no conflict that I have seen so far.
So those are additional conditions that we have put in on ministers when there’s potential for conflict. I find it odd that in the last couple of days of our Assembly, these questions start popping up. That’s all I was stating clearly for the people and the public and for our constituents. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members, I will make a ruling on the Point of Order before the day is over.
Again, if I could ask the Premier if he could indicate if that specific provision that I mentioned is in his additional guidelines. I would like to get a response to that.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) As I said, we set those out clearly when the new ministers are being assigned portfolios, and those are in writing and they’re directed to the deputies responsible.
Yes, those are additional conventions that we put in place to safeguard the public and to maintain confidence of the public that each minister is not benefiting privately through their administrational duties of their department. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I think the Premier inferred that, in fact, that particular guideline is in place and again, Mr. Speaker, I’m not saying that there aren’t other things that could be done to ensure that conflict of interest doesn’t happen, as the Premier indicated.
However, Mr. Speaker, last week, when I asked the Premier about that, he said that if that is, in fact, as he had indicated it is, I believe, a guideline that he has issued if there is, in fact, a case where that is happening, whether they’re a minister’s spouse... for example, our former health minister had a spouse working for that department. I know there are other ways of getting around that as he has indicated, but when I questioned him last week, he said that there had been no exceptions or exemptions made to his additional guidelines.
If that is, in fact, one of his guidelines, then there has been an exception or an exemption through whatever process that was placed, but that, in fact, that guideline that I mentioned is there and he had indicated that there wasn’t any exceptions or exemptions from any of those guidelines.
I would just like to ask him if he could clarify that.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I’ll make it as simple as I can.
When I assign the Minister of Education or the Minister of Health, if they have a spouse in a particular division of that department, they are directed not to deal with those matters, that a different minister will make decisions on those matters.
So if a matter or a correspondence goes through their office dealing with that particular section of that department, then the minister responsible, who may have a conflict, does not see that correspondence and it goes directly to an alternate minister.
That is how we deal with those situations where there’s potential for conflict.
That has been the practice and it continues to be the practice today. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 679 – 2(4): Fuel Supplies in Baker Lake (Simailak)
I send my regards to Baker Lake residents and my young son who is not feeling too well.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, I asked questions to the minister in February and May of this year concerning the issue of fuel supplies for Baker Lake. I raised concerns that fuel supplies for the community were not adequate to meet the needs of the community, which is experiencing unprecedented economic growth.
Can the minister update me today on the status of this year’s annual fuel resupply to Baker Lake and indicate what quantities of fuel have been delivered?
I can speak to that question. At this time, the supply of fuel to the communities is not yet complete and I can’t give you the totals of the amounts at this time.
In May of this year, the minister indicated to me that the existing fuel storage facilities in Baker Lake are inadequate to meet the growing demand for fuel in the community.
Can the minister update me today on what steps are being taken to address this issue? Are you going to be providing additional fuel storage facilities?
The fuel storage facilities in the communities are sometimes filled to capacity since they require fuel for the winter season.
Some of the tanks are not filled to capacity because they have to test the previous summer’s fuel. I’m sure that some fuel storage facilities were not filled to capacity because they still had last year’s fuel stored in them.
However, after we found out that the fuel in the tank farm in Baker Lake was inadequate and that it would not last to meet the needs of the community, I spoke to my deputy minister and also the assistant deputy minister with respect to this matter.
They reported that this winter, in 2008-09, they will order more fuel than in the previous year because last year’s fuel order was inadequate.
The fuel facilities in Baker Lake were not filled to capacity, so there was more space available.
Additionally, it is evident now that our department needs to make replacement plans for bigger fuel storage facilities as well as new fuel farms for some of the communities and we are aware of this issue.
As we all know, the cost of chartering Hercules aircraft to transport fuel during times of shortage is very expensive.
Can the minister indicate to me whether any airlifts are anticipated to be required during the coming year or spring?
I can’t state that this is the case since I’m not entirely confident that another community will not experience the same situation where their fuel supply is under capacity. It is impossible to forecast which communities may be in that situation.
However, I do know for a fact that they have put a plan together for Baker Lake to ensure that this doesn’t occur again this year.
When we transport fuel by aircraft, the member is correct, it is very expensive.
Due to the extremely expensive costs associated with that, PPD and CGS are ordering an adequate amount of fuel for the communities so that they are supplied until the next shipment arrives. I did speak with officials at PPD and CGS and they said that the fuel ought to be adequate for this year.
Last year was a unique experience in Baker Lake because the mining companies were developing their projects and one of their fuel barges didn’t arrive to Baker Lake because it had to go back to Rankin Inlet. I think that’s one of the reasons why there was a shortage of fuel.
However, we will look into it properly because PPD and CGS generally conduct good studies and reviews.
Mr. Simailak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Thank you, Minister. (interpretation) Can the minister update me on how her department is working with the community and local mining companies to manage the issue of fuel requirements?
The fuel supply requirements are generally well planned and our department consults with the communities, the hamlets, and the mining companies operating near the community.
As my understanding goes, they prioritize it this way: the residential heating fuel is the first priority; the second priority will be the mining companies along with essential services.
That’s how we have drafted up the policy and I am certain it will be adhered to.
Question 680 – 2(4): Problems with Medical Travel Office in Pangnirtung (Arvaluk)
Mr. Speaker, I was informed that the communication systems, including the computer network and facsimile machines, are down at the transportation office of the Department of Health and Social Services in Pangnirtung.
As a matter of fact, I was told that they have relocated their office to another location and further, the building that they moved into is in another division and when clients call, they are answered with “Children’s Services.”
I would like to ask the minister what arrangements have been made to process the travel requirements of our medical patients.
I’m sorry that I don’t have that information with me, but I would like to assure the member that I will commit to reporting on this matter prior to the end of the session.
I will get the information today because it’s very important. We have to make sure that transportation services are made available to the medical patients who have to travel home, and I know that my staff are doing all that they can to make sure that the information and the services are provided.
This situation is already well known.
I’m wondering why the minister would have to try to get information on the matter because as a regular member, who isn’t even a minister, was apprised of the situation.
How do I put this succinctly? This morning, there were a number of patients that could not travel home because they’re tickets weren’t arranged. They couldn’t call the office or even send faxes to the transportation office.
I was assuming that the services would be fixed up and I was expecting the minister responsible or even the Premier to make an announcement first thing this morning to inform the public that communications were impossible and to inform them of their alternatives.
What kind of alternate plan do you have in place to make sure that these services are provided to our patients?
Someone mentioned earlier today that people who are staying in Iqaluit were asked to call the boarding home to get the information they need regarding their transportation, ticketing, and so on.
I’m asking the minister: is that the situation now? Do you have the information on the phone number and who they would have to contact? Has this already been planned out?
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman… I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker.
As I indicated earlier, my staff are doing all that they can to restore the services.
I know the people here or people who require airline tickets to the south are being provided the best possible service that can be offered. We have to work hard in trying to provide those services, but it’s impossible to predict the future. So we need a plan B as an alternative in case we run into that problem again.
I know that we will have to show the information as a government with respect to this issue.
In terms of the telephone number for people who want the information, the staff of the Department of Health provide this number for all medical patients.
Just to reiterate, as you stated, your staff are doing their utmost to fulfill their duties and we know they work hard at their positions, but the problem again is that the public doesn’t know who they are, what their contact numbers are, and so on.
The only number that is known to the public is apparently disconnected or broken.
You could have identified the contact information while you were talking by stating the number or staff member since the public is following the session. You could have stated, “Here is the number to call” or “Here is the staff person responsible,” and this should be public knowledge.
Can the minister state whether or not his department now has an alternative plan for occasions such as this?
When the problem has been resolved at their present office, this would entail a backup plan with an alternative number or staff person to call in the event of emergencies so that our public is informed in these situations.
I will ensure that we urge our employees to undertake the recommendations suggested, especially if we can remedy the issues we have been facing to date.
This is especially the case if we are faced with the same situation as it is unacceptable to have no information.
We will try to restore the services to our public and with the departmental staff following the proceedings, I’m sure that this matter is already being looked after.
Question 681 – 2(4): Continuing Support for Nunavut’s Deaf and Hearing Impaired (Peterson)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was encouraged to hear the Minister’s Statement on the Inuit Sign Language project and I commend Dr. McDougall and his team for their success in developing that material and the demonstration in the Great Hall during the break.
For those who cannot hear what the minister said, the sign language interpretation was very welcomed.
I heard from some relatives and some constituents in my riding who are deaf.
My question for the minister: following yesterday’s announcement, would the minister update the House on what continuing activities will be provided to bring awareness of this project and other initiatives to the deaf and hearing impaired residents across all of Nunavut’s communities?
I spoke to most of these issues in my announcement yesterday and the people I referred to are all in town this week to deal with several items.
They are working on more items for the curriculum development initiative.
They are putting together a CD-ROM that will be made available to the schools upon its completion.
The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is focussed on its efforts to ensure that the services provided by interpreters, such as Inuktitut to English service provision for unilingual residents, are included in the Inuit Sign Language project to provide language services to our deaf and hearing impaired residents.
During this week, these individuals are extremely busy with their work to ensure that there are more materials available for our students and to ensure that our people are educated with these materials, Mr. Speaker.
I thank the minister for that response and I certainly look forward to hearing more about the project as it goes forward.
Mr. Speaker, in Cambridge Bay, there are several people who are deaf. Most of them are very proficient in American Sign Language as well as in their home sign language.
My question for the minister: could the minister clarify for the House what steps have been taken by his department to address the need for community-based public services, such as health care or employment and career counselling, to be delivered in a manner that is easily accessible to those who are deaf or who have hearing impairments?
Hon. Louis Tapardjuk (interpretation): In July 2006, we funded a study to research our Nunavut statistics to see if we provide proper services to our deaf and hearing impaired residents, especially with relation to the developments occurring in our territory, and whether this is available in all of the services and programs it handles. This study is still ongoing.
The government is contemplating the various issues with respect to the provision of services for the deaf and hearing impaired.
All of our residents have to be informed of government activities, the types of services available, and all in the language that they use and understand. The Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth is committed to the initiative of providing this service to our residents.
To that end, we identified funds, Mr. Speaker, to be allocated to any proposals that are offering to provide services using the Inuit Sign Language project as per the member’s comments.
There are funds allocated for specific proposals to provide this level of service to residents with hearing impairment issues in any of our communities. If any of our companies wish to provide this service to our Nunavut residents, then there are funds specifically geared towards initiatives such as these, Mr. Speaker.
I’m sure the deaf and hearing impaired will be encouraged to learn that there is money available.
Mr. Speaker, for just a little experiment last night, I turned my TV on and turned the volume down. I was listening and trying to figure out what the federal leadership candidates were saying. It was very difficult, so I can only imagine if you’re deaf or hearing impaired how difficult it is to function in life when everything around you depends on hearing things.
Mr. Speaker, being deaf or hearing impaired may pose some additional challenges in life, however, many people with hearing disabilities are equally capable of working and providing for themselves as anyone else if given the chance. In my community, that’s precisely the case.
My question for the minister: can the minister clarify how his department works with other departments to develop awareness and programs that will allow people with disabilities to take part in Government of Nunavut supported training and employment opportunities?
As an example, we collaborate with other departments on these types of initiatives.
As I stated earlier, we have a group of people working this week to provide details on the types of services and language provisions the government is required to provide to our deaf and hearing impaired residents.
They are putting together material to be made available on a CD. There is a signage instructor and they are including the sign language in the materials. As well, the sign language is being taught in the meeting.
This week, after the group has completed its meeting, we will have a better understanding of the next steps our government must undertake to ensure that the right services and information is made available to the people with disabilities so that they understand the issues.
After they conclude their meeting this week, I will make an announcement in the House as to what the next steps are. It is clear that we have to resolve a concern expressed by my fellow member, so I will take it under consideration for the time being, Mr. Speaker.
Again, I commend him for taking the initiative to help the deaf and hearing impaired.
Mr. Speaker, I heard from a relative of a deaf individual in Cambridge Bay who is training for a certain job. He is one of the top students in the training and subsequent to the training, he has applied for a job in the career he trained for, but he doesn’t seem to have much success getting that job and it’s very discouraging for him.
He wonders if there’s something wrong just because he can’t hear and if they’re possibly discriminating against him.
My question for the minister: can the minister tell the House what options are available to the deaf or hearing impaired if they feel that they’re discriminated against when they apply for and are unsuccessful in Government of Nunavut or private sector jobs?
I believe that the member’s question should be directed to the Minister of Human Resources as it deals with their portfolio, Mr. Speaker.
Question 682 – 2(4): Decision on Rent Scale (Kattuk)
I would like to direct my question to Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation and if I direct it to the wrong minister, please forward it to the right minister.
A while ago, I remember a meeting held by all of the chairpersons of the local housing organizations in Rankin Inlet. The meeting included discussions of NHC units and whether or not to increase the rental scale. I also recall the minister providing an announcement as well as his notice with respect to the meeting in Rankin Inlet.
Could the minister inform this House if the recommendations stemming from this meeting of the chairpersons and their secretaries were reviewed? Have any changes been implemented or has the department prepared any changes based on those recommendations?
I’m not sure if the member is referring to elders or employees. If he was referring to elders renting public houses, the elders don’t pay rent if their income is under $90,000.
Perhaps I was not clear in my question, but I was referring to all people renting public housing units.
I apologize for misunderstanding his question. In April 2007, a meeting of the local housing organizations took place in Rankin Inlet. The results of the meeting have been compiled and the recommendations have been submitted to Cabinet.
The minister just indicated that he submitted the recommendations to his colleagues in Cabinet. Are we going to hear good things from the review of the recommendations?
What are we to expect, (interpretation ends) good news or bad news? (interpretation) Is the minister in a position to respond to that question?
As I stated earlier, the recommendations from NHC were submitted to Cabinet. The issue has to be discussed and reviewed by Cabinet, after which we will respond to the recommendations made at the April 2007 meeting in Rankin Inlet.
I would also like to thank the minister responsible.
However, the price of fuel is very high today and the individuals renting the public units have to pay the rent which is quite high, then they either have to pay for their rent or buy food. As a result, some people have no choice but to go hungry. That’s what a lot of people face.
If the recommendations are going to be changed, will this be done prior to the Third Assembly?
Yes, we are definitely concerned about the high cost of home heating fuel.
The tenants of our houses don’t pay for home heating fuel.
Our biggest causes for concern are the homeowners who are paying the high cost of home heating fuel and how we can provide more assistance, and this has to be taken into consideration.
Question 683 – 2(4): Review of Foster Parents Rates (Tootoo)
Mr. Speaker, in the past, I have raised questions in relation to foster parents and foster care and I know my colleague from Cambridge Bay has raised it as well here in the House.
Mr. Speaker, we know, in June of 2005, the government indicated that they had put a $1 million increase in funding to the Health and Social Services’ budget.
Part of that was to have new rate guides to ensure that foster parents receive adequate and equitable per diems, and also they indicated that the rate increase is one way that the Government of Nunavut is supporting the healthy development of children and youth.
Mr. Speaker, I believe those last increases were in 2005.
With the way that the price of everything has increased since then, I’m just wondering if the minister could indicate, as his predecessor did, that they were looking at reviewing those rates again.
Again, I acknowledge that he just took on this portfolio, but I’m just wondering if he could indicate if his department has done any review on those rates since then.
I believe that a review on improving the system is ongoing and how enhancements can be made to the system as per the member’s question.
The last time that we were given an update in regard to foster parents and foster care was on June 27, 2005.
The update was with respect to changes in foster care, which are currently under review.
That’s where it stands at this time, but our staff need to complete their review so that they can also understand the reasons for the situation, especially on how we can improve the system.
With respect to the current rates, there has been no change to date on the amounts per foster child.
I appreciate the minister indicating that there is a review going on right now.
I think, as my colleague, Mr. Kattuk, pointed out, it’s the same thing with the Income Support Program, with the way that the prices of everything, the cost of living, has gone up in the last couple of years, that some of these numbers are just no longer adequate.
Could the minister indicate if he’s aware of when that review will be done and if, in fact, the review of the rates to determine if they’re appropriate or not in today’s numbers is being done?
I don’t have the actual or the estimated date of when the review will be done. Once I do get that information, I’ll provide it to my colleagues here in the legislature. Hopefully, by tomorrow, we will have a better idea of which and how far they are on the reviews.
As I said earlier, I appreciate that this is a portfolio that the minister has just taken on.
Mr. Speaker, while he’s looking into it, can he assure the members in this House and all the foster parents out there, as they said in their press release in June 2005, that new rate guides are there to ensure that foster parents receive adequate and equitable per diems regardless of which region they live in?
If those rates are not being reviewed, can he commit to ensuring that they are?
I’ll do that.
>>House recessed at 15:16 and resumed at 15:38
Reply to Opening Address 002 – 2(4): Mr. Edward Picco (Picco)
As all members know, I like to sing and indeed, Mr. Speaker, I have been known to joke around a little bit, but today, I would like to take a little bit of a speech in a serious vein.