EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Question 543 – 3(2): Social Worker Challenges (Elliott)
Earlier today, I spoke of the urgent need to address the challenges related to social worker positions.
I recognize that the current system, as legislated under the Child and Family Services Act, is currently under review. However, until changes to the system are made, current obligations must be met.
Can the minister describe what key factors are affecting the GN’s ability to hire full-time social workers in Nunavut’s communities?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The question is directed to the Minister of Health.
That is a very important issue for us, the challenges we face in filling our social worker positions.
These positions are critical, and I concur with the member’s assessment.
As I stated, there is a review being done on case workers. We are working with NTI and the other regions, with the exception of Kivalliq representatives, but we had social workers from Kivalliq and this continues to be a concern as we try to fix the issues.
Are there any barriers?
There are about 46 positions and some of them have to be contracted out because of the lack of experienced social workers and others simply do not want to move north.
We have to work with the Department of Human Resources and they conduct the interviews and the screening of applicants for these social worker positions.
They do appraisals. What I can say is that some of the problems that we face are after the interviews and screenings.
Some of them decide not to take on the job for various reasons, such as lack of staff housing in the smaller communities. The staff housing rent is also pretty high.
They get discouraged because of these issues.
I can say that there are over 40 applicants who have been screened through HR. In March, we will determine who accepts these positions of social workers.
Currently I cannot state who we would hire or how many will be successful.
We’ve had over 40 applications that we have been reviewing and screening at HR and the health and social services department.
Can the minister describe what specific resources are provided to social workers who are suffering under the stress and heavy workload of their position?
Speaker (interpretation): Minister of Health.
I cannot answer this from personal experience, but what I can state is that whenever our social workers are stressed, we try to ensure that they are not over-stressed.
If there is an emergency, such as what happened in Cape Dorset, we task other social workers to go and assist them, if the need arises and they are in difficulty.
We also have to follow the legislated rest periods.
They are being respected.
Whenever employees are over-stressed, they are asked to take a rest.
They also are counselled. If they need to be relieved, then we will task someone else to relieve them.
These are all laid out in our collective agreement.
We’re very proud of our social workers because they work really hard in a very stressful environment, and it’s unfortunate many of us are slow in acknowledging them but there is a lot on our plate that we have to deal with.
The minister mentioned something about 40 applicants being within the HR department.
Can the minister update the House on how many social worker positions are currently vacant?
We are missing quite a few positions that are open.
Generally, we’re understaffed when our employees either want to move out or move to a new position because we cannot stop employees when they want to move out of Nunavut.
We currently have 46 indeterminate social worker positions.
Igloolik and Cape Dorset are the two communities that are handling their social worker program.
However, with the 46 positions, 20 positions are filled and I believe there are about 16 vacant positions currently.
That’s based on the information that I have in front of me.
So of those 16 vacant positions, how many are filled currently by agency workers?
I don’t have that information about agency workers in front of me.
What I do have is data related to agency nurses, but I will look into that and I will have to take that as advisement in order to respond.
Question 544 – 3(2): Minister’s Task Force to Review the Liquor Act (Ugyuk)
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My questions are for the Minister of Finance.
In my Member’s Statement today, I urged the minister to table the final report of the task force to review the Liquor Act in the Legislative Assembly so that all MLAs have the opportunity to discuss its recommendations before the minister moves forward with change to the Liquor Act.
Will the minister commit to doing this, yes or no?
I appreciate her Member’s Statement; very good comments.
I would like to share it with the cabinet first, but I will share it with the Legislative Assembly and table it when the document is available.
So I guess that would be a commitment, yes.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In my Member’s Statement, I raised the question of how much profit the airlines make from transporting alcohol.
Can the minister indicate if his task force has had any discussions with the airlines on this issue?
Mr. Speaker, I have deliberately left it open to the task force to determine who they talk to in the communities and who they invite to make presentations.
Certainly I can’t say with any firm knowledge that they have talked to the airlines, but I’m sure that the airlines and the task force will be given the opportunity to talk about the alcohol shipped between Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In my Member’s Statement, I supported the minister in his efforts to introduce legislation that would allow for assets of bootleggers that were obtained through the proceeds of crime to be seized.
Can the minister indicate when he is looking at introducing this kind of legislation?
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I again thank the member for that question.
Mr. Speaker, I have raised it with officials in the Department of Finance and with officials in the Department of Justice and with the RCMP.
I understand that there is research underway.
There is civil forfeiture legislation elsewhere in Canada, and I have mentioned it on occasion in the media that we would certainly look at it.
I can’t say with any degree of certainty when legislation will come forward, if at all, but we are certainly researching it to see how it could possibly work in Nunavut.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) In my Member’s Statement, I expressed my support for moving carefully towards a more open approach to alcohol in Nunavut that is accompanied by appropriate programs and facilities to treat substance abuse.
Can the minister indicate whether he is open to considering my suggestion?
Mr. Speaker, one of the goals of the liquor task force is to go to all of the communities in Nunavut to get input from Nunavummiut.
When we get all of those views, opinions, thoughts, recommendation, suggestions, whatever people will tell the task force, we will sit down here and read what the recommendations are and we will seriously consider all of the recommendations that are made.
Question 545 – 3(2): Sanikiluaq Health Centre Fuel Leak (Rumbolt)
My questions today are directed to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
As the minister is aware, recent news media reports indicated that fumes caused by a fuel leak drove nurses out of the health centre in Sanikiluaq before Christmas for a period of one week.
It is my understanding that Community and Government Services had conducted a cleanup but it was only temporary to get the health centre operational.
Can the minister indicate when a full assessment of the situation will be completed and clarify when more permanent repairs will be completed?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I would like to thank my colleague for the question.
To begin with, Mr. Speaker, he is correct. Our department went in there and first of all replaced the furnace that was causing problems in the health centre.
It created fuel damage.
We had soaked floors, insulation, and vapour barriers, and, in fact, gravel.
Since then, Mr. Speaker, all of those have been replaced, and a temporary solution has been put in place.
Mr. Speaker, we’re not anticipating any more work on there until the weather and the ground permits us to do the remainder of the repairs.
When an assessment is done of the Sanikiluaq Health Centre, will the minister be requesting an RFP on this clean-up or will it rely on the local workforce in the community?
That’s another question for the Minister of Community and Government Services.
There is still some oil that remains under the footings.
We have to deal with a cracked sewage tank and replace that.
Once our department is able to go in there and assess what work needs to be done, what kind of expertise and technical support that’s going to be needed to solve the problems, I think at that point, the department will assess the situation and see if it could be done with local employment or if it’s going to require an RFP.
That will be decided, Mr. Speaker, once we get a clearer picture of the whole situation once the ground and the weather allows us to do that.
As we all know, Sanikiluaq is the most southern community in Nunavut and spring comes earlier there than most other communities.
I’m wondering if the minister could commit to having his staff come in there at the earliest opportunity.
Yes, we are looking at going in there at the earliest possible time.
We know the severity of this issue and it’s one of those things that need to be tackled at the earliest time because you are dealing with fuel and fuel vapours underneath the health centre.
It’s not the greatest combination.
Mr. Speaker, we will ensure that the issue is looked into as soon as the weather and other issues allow us to do so.
Your final supplementary, Member for Hudson Bay.
The minister has been quoted recently in the news as saying that he would visit the community and to inspect the health centre on this issue.
However, I recognize that the minister has many responsibilities and I do not expect him to have the time to personally travel to Sanikiluaq to oversee repairs at the health centre.
However, I do expect his department to work closely with the community and keep the residents fully informed about a situation such as this.
Will he commit to ensuring that a full report on the health centre is provided to me and the municipality?
Yes, I read with some surprise in the paper too that I intend to go in there and solve the problem.
Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I’m not able to do that, neither did I say that, but before I go any further, I want to thank the news media for covering the Baffin mayors meeting that was held here a couple of weeks ago.
Sometimes things we say do get lost in translation, but I did commit to the mayor at the time and what I said was that I will make sure that our department looks into the matter and makes sure that the matter is dealt with appropriately.
Having cleared that up, Mr. Speaker, I will and I think it’s the intention of our department to take a look at what is happening in Sanikiluaq or what did happen and take a look at how we can solve the issue there.
We will work closely with the municipality.
I appreciate my colleague for keeping me informed as to what has been happening there. Also, I will return the favour and keep you fully informed and the appropriate personnel in terms of where we are, where we are going, and all of the other fine details on the matter.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) I volunteer to oversee the project myself so I can go to Sanikiluaq.
(interpretation) Member for Akulliq.
Question 546 – 3(2): Repulse Bay Water Pump (Ningark)
My previous question to the CGS minister was a matter of urgency.
When I was in Repulse Bay just recently, they gave me a tour of the water lake as well as the pumphouse.
I’m not much of a mechanic, so I’m not sure whether it’s automatic, but apparently the pump is not working.
Based on my own experience of collecting water on my own, I believe that it’s very urgent that this issue be dealt with.
My question to the Hon. Minister Kusugak is whether his director from Rankin Inlet or the Kitikmeot could go and visit the community.
That question is directed to the Department of Community and Government Services.
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): I’ll go to Sanikiluaq first and then I’ll go to Repulse Bay.
Based on your statement, I did look into that and we spoke over the phone.
We were told that the water lake in Repulse Bay was operating smoothly, but I’m not sure what is going on. Perhaps you can let me know exactly what the problem is, but based on what I was led to understand, there were no problems with the water lake in Repulse Bay, Mr. Speaker.
I believe he is asking me about the particular problem with the pumphouse. If I’m just to relay the story to the minister, it would not be appropriate.
I will have to consult with the Hamlet of Repulse Bay and check to see what the issue is. Once I have researched that, will he able to tell someone to go to Repulse Bay?
Hon. Lorne Kusugak (interpretation): Yes, as he told me, he said there was an issue with the Repulse Bay water lake and he asked me to look into the matter. I looked into the matter, Mr. Speaker, and our staff looked into it.
They said the water lake is operating smoothly, there are no problems or barriers, and when I was asked to look into it, I looked into it and I was told it was operating smoothly, at least with respect to the water lake in Repulse Bay.
Question 547 – 3(2): Baker Lake’s INAC Water Use Inspection Report (Aupaluktuq)
As a public official, it is a privilege to relay concerns on behalf of our community and constituents.
One of our fundamental rights as Nunavummiut and as Canadians is to have health and well-being.
Water is an element that we as Canadians have taken for granted.
In light of Department of INAC’s recent inspection report, Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my questions to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, a couple of days ago, I tabled a copy of Baker Lake’s water use inspection report which was prepared by a Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada inspector.
As a public official, I would like to ask this government and remind that the inspection report indicated that, and I quote, “… the inspector recommends that formal enforcement action up to and including legal proceedings against both the Government of Nunavut and the Municipality of Baker Lake is warranted in these circumstances and are recommended.”
Can the minister update this House on whether he is aware if legal action against the Government of Nunavut and the Municipality of Baker Lake is likely to occur?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. That question is directed to the Minister of Community and Government Services.
No, I’m not aware of it.
It’s just a recommendation of an inspector, Mr. Speaker, and I’m not aware of anything beyond that recommendation.
Your supplementary, Member for Baker Lake.
In review of the Hansards, my colleague, Mr. Ningeongan from Coral Harbour and Chesterfield Inlet, had asked some questions.
I, too, would like to ask for the record on behalf of Baker Lake.
When reviewing the water use inspection report, I noted the following, and I quote, “… the Government of Nunavut retains ownership and control of the pumping station and water treatment system within the community.
The Government of Nunavut requires a water license for this activity and the continued use of water without a license is a contravention of the Act.”
Can the minister confirm if his department has obtained a water use licence with respect to the pumping station and water treatment system for Baker Lake?
We are working with the municipalities in terms of ensuring that the water licences and requirements to follow those procedures are in place, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: I’m glad that’s in order and I’m sure the people of Baker Lake would like to have a response from the government when all of this is being coordinated and there is a review of what has been done.
Mr. Speaker, during the last sitting, I tabled shocking photographs of Baker Lake’s municipal landfill which clearly illustrated the seriousness and magnitude of the situation.
It’s my understanding that each municipality is issued a water use licence by the Nunavut Water Board and that the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada has authority for the inspection under these water use licences.
My question to the minister is: what role and responsibility does his department have when it comes to municipal landfills to ensure that we are in compliance with all applicable regulations?
Again, if you read the Hansard yesterday, I did allude to the fact that the municipalities are responsible for the waste disposal sites in their communities and, if there are issues pertaining to them that they have, we work with the appropriate departments to ensure that the issues they have are dealt with appropriately, Mr. Speaker.
Your final supplementary, Member for Baker Lake.
Again, I wanted to ask those questions as a formality considering the fact that our territorial government also has an obligation to ensure that the health and well-being of all Nunavummiut is upheld to the highest standards.
Mr. Speaker, the 2010-13 business plan of the Department of Community and Government Services indicated that one of its priorities was to “Deliver community based training for potable water, wastewater and solid waste management in Arviat, Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay and Gjoa Haven with the Municipal Training Organization (MTO).
Upon completing these courses, Hamlet employees will be in a better position to meet guidelines established by the regulatory authorities…” Can the minister indicate if these communities received this training and can he indicate if his department plans to provide this much needed training in the future to all communities?
Thank you for asking those questions.
Yes, all of the communities of Nunavut have to be taken care of properly.
We all have responsibilities to take care of all municipalities because the Nunavut government is responsible for the municipalities and the federal government has responsibilities.
We are now working on training programs related to waste disposal sites, potable water, and wastewater and solid waste management in all communities.
As I stated earlier, the waste disposal sites, potable water, and wastewater and solid waste management are now being reviewed in all communities in Nunavut.
The review will be completed by the end of March, at which time a report will be made.
From that report, INAC officials and also the entities that work with water management will work together to figure out what the problems are and recommendations could be made.
At that time, we will be able to identify what kind of training programs that we should be providing to the municipal service workers and we will have a better idea where the training will have to be taken.
Once the recommendations and reports are completed, we will take the next steps and be able to table them.
Question 548 – 3(2): Operations of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Schell)
I want to revisit some issues today concerning the operation of the Qulliq Energy Corporation, so my questions are for the Hon. Lorne Kusugak.
In March 22, 2010, the Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a motion that called on the government to request that the Auditor General conduct a comprehensive performance audit of the financial, billing, contracting, procurement, leasing, and human resource management practices of the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
Given all of the rumours and accusations that we have been hearing in recent months about the corporation, an independent audit to clear the air would be very helpful.
On October 28 of last year, the minister informed the Legislative Assembly that, “a formal request will be submitted in the near future.”
Can the minister confirm whether a formal request to the Auditor General has now been made and, if it has, will he commit to tabling a copy of the request in the Legislative Assembly at tomorrow’s sitting of the House?
That question is directed to the Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
I believe that that process has begun, Mr. Speaker.
At an appropriate time, we will be able to table that necessary document he is requesting.
On February 9 of this year, the Qulliq Energy Corporation issued a media statement in response to issues that had been publicly raised concerning QEC’s employment practices.
Did the minister approve this media statement before it was publicly released?
Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
I saw the media report.
Another area of concern that I have deals with QEC’s policies regarding the use of corporate property and resources.
Can the minister explain what the QEC’s policies are in regard to the use of company property, employees, vehicles, and time for non-essential work on private homes of QEC’s management?
Like any corporation, all of the use of company equipment and vehicles, and so on and so forth, are for the betterment of the corporation, Mr. Speaker.
My last question here for the record today is pretty straightforward.
Does the minister have full and unqualified confidence in the senior management of the QEC, yes or no?
Minister responsible for the Energy Corporation.
Of course, I do. We have a very good corporate management team within the Qulliq Energy Corporation; they are doing a very good job in what they are doing.
We have the highest Inuit employment rate within any corporation and within any department. We have very good staff there, not just the corporate staff but all of the employees of Qulliq Energy.
They are doing a very good job, Mr. Speaker.
Question 549 – 3(2): Financial Reports of NHC (Elliott)
Earlier today, the Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation did a Minister’s Statement on the enhancements of financial controls within the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
I was just wondering if the minister could, in stating that… . Excuse me, Mr. Speaker.
Is the minister, in his department, satisfied with the reporting that the Nunavut Housing Corporation is doing in terms of providing the O&M expenditure reporting and the capital budget status reports on a monthly basis to his department?
Mr. Speaker, my officials assure me that they are satisfied with the information that they received from the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
With being satisfied with all of the reporting that is going on between your department and the Nunavut Housing Corporation, do you anticipate any supplementary appropriations or any cost overruns on the Nunavut Housing Trust program or the Affordable Housing Initiative?
He is asking me to predict the future.
Mr. Speaker, I have been assured by Minister Curley and the president of the Nunavut Housing Corporation on the Nunavut Housing Trust that they are on track, on budget, and possibly even under budget to complete the houses under the Nunavut Housing Trust initiative.
With respect to the Affordable Housing Initiative, they assure us that the tendering process, the awarding of contracts, and negotiations with the contractors in the communities of Nunavut are going well, and it’s anticipated that they will be on budget or under budget on the Affordable Housing Initiative as well.
I was glad that the minister didn’t talk about the crystal ball that Mr. Tootoo used to talk about because I was going to tell him not to follow the predictions that from that.
In terms of the monthly reporting back and forth between the two departments, how long will these measures be put in place?
Mr. Speaker, I issued a ministerial directive to the Nunavut Housing Corporation last year and that directive will remain in place until I’m assured that the Nunavut Housing Corporation has their financial house in order.
My last question was what guidance you are giving to the Nunavut Housing Corporation in terms of what mechanisms should be put in place so that you actually drop that restriction.