EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Along the lines, there is also mention from a number of elders, fishermen, and hunters who requested an access road to a popular area named Prince River. This may also apply to CGS because it will be the hamlet that will probably put the submissions in, the process as explained by the hon. minister.
In some capacity, the hunters and the fishermen who provide for themselves and others also make ends meet by subsistence hunting as well as selling parts of their catch.
Transportation access is an issue, so I’m going to elaborate on that further.
The fact that the community of Baker Lake is also made aware by your responses to my colleagues in the committee here, I wanted to ask that as my colleagues as well as the minister are aware, I have tabled hamlet resolutions.
One item was relocation or an improved dock for safety and better accessibility of use by community members. With major contributions from Baker Lake to Nunavut economy-wise as well as enhancing the GDP, as the document is tabled, Baker Lake has been requesting an improved or relocated dock for safety issues.
I wanted to ask the hon. minister whether or not his department has officially documented and noted this request as it was tabled in the House.
Mr. Chairman, yes, we recognize these things that are of need in each community.
For the most part, when we talk about the access funding, the access roads program is a smaller amount.
Again, when it comes to docks, we just don’t have the funds to disburse out there and start building docks. It’s a situation where we are just not able to afford building infrastructure like that.
Mr. Aupaluktuq: No doubt as well that Baker Lake has made some significant contributions to Nunavut. I think this government, on behalf of Baker Lake, with the help of the Hamlet of Baker Lake, used to be able to approach the federal government for some assistance.
That alone is just a comment.
We will seek other avenues to pursue this matter to ensure that the needs and requirements of Baker Lake have proper accessibility as well as safety in mind for our hunters.
Mr. Chairman, my question is: in the past, under Transportation, Policy and Planning, as indicated on page 164, there are two bullets and one is indicating as an objective “To ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in and out of Nunavut and within the territory.”
The third bullet there is “To work with the federal government to advance projects to improve roads, airports and small craft harbours.”
I believe it would be nice to be able to bridge this need specifically on behalf of Baker Lake that has passed a resolution and also tabled it in the House as well.
With respect to that, I want to ask for the record for those Baker Lakemiut watching and listening: can the minister update the residents of Baker Lake on the airport and terminal improvement project?
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Aupaluktuq. (interpretation ends) This is very close to being a capital issue, but I will let it go.
I don’t have that information in front of us and this pertains to capital.
We’re on page K-6. Mr. Aupaluktuq, I believe you’re done.
It may be capital, but since it’s in operations of the airports, with respect to Rankin Inlet, I know there was a tremendous amount of airplanes jamming at the airport apron. I know the work is ongoing.
Could the minister maybe be able to provide an update on exactly what the status of it is and when the completion might be for improving or enlarging the aircraft parking?
It is quite a challenge, particularly when they’re all landed at the same time.
I know the work may be ongoing, but I think it’s important to get an update.
Mr. Chairman, we’re expecting 2014 for a completion date.
Mr. Curley: Thank you. (interpretation) Mr. Chairman, my main reason for this question is that sometimes passengers have to walk from quite a ways when the plane parks on the far side of the tarmac.
With some passengers being recent medical patients or the elderly, the distance can be brutal, especially during the cold weather months.
When medical patients are arriving from the southern institution, shouldn’t the minister consider transportation in these cases? I speak about passengers who may be unable to walk or find the distance too far to walk upon arrival.
I wonder how these passengers can be provided with better service and I would like to get a response on this issue. (interpretation ends) Thank you.
At this time, there are buses that are available and buses are being used at the apron to move people around for safety reasons and for folks with some disabilities.
I have another question that is specifically not here, but I know that the airports continue to replenish and dispose of motor vehicles and operational equipment throughout the Nunavut territory that operates airports and also a tremendous allowance of new vehicles that we see each fall.
There were many businesses in Nunavut that look to the minister as their representative for support as well as ongoing support.
The airports division probably disposes of a tremendous amount of vehicles occasionally.
If that is the case, how does that disposal policy work within the airport division of ED&T?
The disposal of government assets are done through another department, that being Community and Government Services.
That’s why I “preambled” my question that many Nunavutmiut look to you as their representative in cabinet and for support.
Even though it’s in the other department, collectively, the government must decide whether or not the policy should be considered for review.
In terms of other jurisdictions, there is a public process which is normally put on the website for Crown asset disposal, for instance, in each province and the federal government.
It may be time that we improve on that. Right now, the only disposal that you’re accorded mainly is the hamlets and no businesses, groups, or individuals can compete for that. They also have an allowance for new vehicles each year, pretty well.
On that basis, I think the minister should also consider reviewing that part of the policy because you do normally, probably much more actively, use that provision when you are disposing your equipment.
Would it be possible to at least consult with your other colleagues in the cabinet? There are groups out there that look to you to improving that part of the need.
We will certainly consider reviewing it. If time permits, we will bring it down to our officials for them to review.
I have no more names on my list. (interpretation ends) Economic Development and Transportation.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $24,899,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Go to page K-3. (interpretation ends) Department Summary.
Total Operations and Maintenance. $61,077,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Are we in agreement that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation is concluded?
I want to thank the minister for being here. If you have any closing remarks, I give you the opportunity. Minister Taptuna.
I would like to thank the committee members for their scrutiny and very well put together questions and comments.
Mr. Chairman, we’re always striving to improve and become more efficient. I appreciate the openness that has been provided here.
Mr. Chairman, I also would like to thank my officials for all their hard work putting all the material together. I know they do have to balance with other departments when it comes to this and I appreciate their help in putting all this together.
Sergeant-at-Arms, if you can assist them so that we can move right to the next department.
At this time, the Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Minister Shewchuk, can go to the witness table to make his opening comments.
(interpretation ends) Minister Shewchuk, you may proceed with your opening comments.
Bill 49 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2013-2014 – Nunavut Arctic College – Consideration in Committee
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to present and discuss the 2013-14 main estimates and business plan for Nunavut Arctic College.
The main estimates include the base contribution of $31.8 million, $3.9 million from tuition fees and other sources and third party revenues of $8.5 million.
The increase in the budget includes NEU salary adjustments and Pathway to Adult Secondary School Graduation (PASS). The main estimates are organized on the basis of our headquarters, the Nunavut Research Institute, and the regional campuses.
Partnerships with government departments, educational institutions, and industry are especially important at Arctic College in meeting these goals. Arctic College continues to build university capacity in Nunavut.
The college continues to receive financial support from the Royal Bank of Canada and our Municipal Training Organization, and is working with Grant MacEwan University and the Certified General Accountants Association toward completing the Bachelor of Applied Business Administration. Arctic College is currently seeking federal funding to deliver the Early Childhood Education Certificate across Nunavut.
Arctic College is honoured to include Piqqusilirivvik as a new division which highlights and recognizes the importance of teaching Inuit traditional knowledge and culture.
Nunavut Arctic College will ensure that we maintain the intention and mission of Piqqusilirivvik as a place where students will come to understand and learn about Inuit language, values, and culture in a manner that is acceptable and consistent with Inuit culture.
We will continue to develop and deliver programs in Clyde River and other satellite sites in order to ensure that we reach as many individuals as possible and contribute to the preservation and use of Inuit traditions in the modern world.
Since 2006, 79 individuals have graduated in the communities. Based on the current student enrolments at the community level, in the next two and a half years, there will be 62 new Bachelor of Education graduates from the Nunavut Teacher Education Program.
In this partnership with Education, work is also progressing for program development on the middle school teacher training requirements. In adult basic education, the college is fully utilizing federal funding to support the development and enhance delivery of ABE programs in the communities.
Following the establishment of the Nunavut Trades Training Centre (Sanatuliqsarvik), Arctic College has solidified delivery in trades preparation programs and apprentice programs related to construction.
Nunavut Arctic College will continue to develop and deliver mine training and heavy equipment training programs as we continue to expand its partnerships with industry and government.
Currently, Arctic College is finalizing the installation of a new training simulator which will be ready for programming this year.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to be here today to discuss Arctic College’s 2013-14 main estimates and business plan.
I wanted to ask if you have any witnesses that you would like to bring to the table.
I would like to bring two officials to the table.
I would like to introduce to my right the President of Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Mike Shouldice, and to my left, Eric Cornell, Coordinator of Planning and Policy.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Shewchuk. We welcome your officials.
Ms. Ugyuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As the Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Wellness, I am pleased to make opening comments as we begin deliberations on the proposed 2013-14 budget of Nunavut Arctic College.
The GN’s proposed contribution of $31,875,000 to the college for 2013-14 is approximately $5.5 million more than the contribution funding amount approved for 2012-13.
Mr. Chairman, Nunavut Arctic College plays an important role in preparing, training, and qualifying Nunavummiut for our economy, our public service, and our future.
The standing committee encourages the college to continue working closely with the government and other partners to identify and access opportunities for training and education with a view to employment opportunities within the territory.
Community learning centres play an important role in the delivery of programs at the community level, enabling community residents to improve their skills, as well as to prepare for opportunities in further education or employment.
The standing committee encourages the college to provide ongoing support to adult educators and community economic development officers in order that they can in turn provide the best level of support at the community level.
Members also support the growth of technology and distance learning opportunities.
The standing committee strongly supports investments in programs directed towards Inuit language and culture.
The standing committee looks forward to initiatives relating to the Inuit Language and Culture Centre concept as well as an increase in course delivery and certification from the Piqqusilirivvik Cultural Facility.
With the implementation of Nunavut’s language legislation, the standing committee further recommends that the college increase programs relating to language services and particularly stresses the need for the development and delivery of interpreter/translator programs and certification.
Chairman: Thank you, Ms. Ugyuk. (interpretation) I am now asking the committee members if they have any general comments to Minister Shewchuk’s opening comments.
Since there are none, we will go to page M-3. (interpretation ends) Department Summary. Nunavut Arctic College. Total Operations and Maintenance. $31,875,000. (interpretation) Do you agree?
Chairman (interpretation): Are we in agreement that Nunavut Arctic College is concluded?
Mr. Curley: Mr. Chairman, it wouldn’t be fair for the minister if no question was asked.
I could have done it with my opening comments, but I am grateful for the minister, the president, and your officials to appear before us. There is a significant amount of projects right now at $31 million.
This is no small potato anymore, but a very important one, if I may say. We look to our young people to take advantage of it.
I know there are always challenges with every young individual because there are so many choices these days.
When we were growing up, we had fewer choices for distraction. I can tell you why, but I think it would be literally better if I didn’t.
Also, I think we need more support for the young generation to complete their courses, whatever the career field, academically, or even trades. I feel that we need to put more support into retaining them.
We spend a lot of money on government for retention so that they stick to their jobs longer.
What do we do with students who may be facing challenges?
For instance, their spouses may be addicted to substances. The choices I didn’t have when I was a kid growing up.
Maybe there are other choices that they do have which I didn’t have and I don’t want to go through them for obvious reasons.
What do we do with kids who may be challenged with sticking out and to complete their courses?
Do you have support for them and, if so, what are they?
I am glad we got a question because there has been a lot of work put into providing this business plan and the budget for Arctic College and a lot of hard work by all the Arctic College employees across the territory.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I think it all stems and starts with the Department of Education providing support to students going through the K-12 system and doing the best job we can in that avenue to have our young people properly educated to move to post-secondary education, which we are responsible for.
Even at that point though, we do provide tutoring to young people.
We do provide counselling to them if it is needed. We will provide upgrade courses at the college if they need to get into programs.
We are very supportive of young people and we will try and help them in any which way that we can to pursue their education and career development.
I thought there wasn’t going to be any questions, so I didn’t keep time.
Are they on location?
We have seen in government that one is based at the southern end of my region and the other is in Iqaluit, but they’re not on site.
How can you improve the counsellors or advisors to students so that they do have those services right when they need it mostly? Could that be improved?
Maybe I misunderstood you. I think you need to be a little more specific in providing that. We do want young people to succeed.
Oftentimes, I feel there should be some counselling provided, not just for the students, but members of the family.
Many of the young people have spouses and they come in as a unit. If one is suffering with certain substance abuse, even though the one taking the course may not be having that problem, they sometimes end up leaving their career path and return home.
So that’s what I’m trying to get at. We need more specialized counselling here, not just the one that was invented 50 years ago. I don’t know when.
Can the minister be more specific on whether or not that is possible?
Again I thank the comments of the member.
Yes, I think it’s something that we can improve and work on.
At present, as the member states, it’s very true that we provide a lot of the support services in regional centres, but not branched out to communities.
I think there are avenues that we can look at, working with the counsellors at the high schools and with our career learning centres.
We could provide that support to students who are not going to move from their communities right away into regional centres to the main campuses.
That could be explored.
I appreciate if you consider improving that. These are confidential in nature, no doubt.
Each student has different types of… . I know that some have relationship issues and there are many who do get affected by law enforcement, and so on, even though they’re here.
So as a result of that, even if they’re here from other communities, elders locally should be involved. There has to definitely be interaction so that they’re not just placed with elders that they would have access to speaking to when they were home. When they come here, it’s not quite the same, but I know that in Iqaluit here, the elders are tremendously involved in many of the life-changing impacts on young people.
I know that when the poverty reduction seminar came into effect, there was a group that involved specializing in helping young people in other forms, not college programs, but other life skill related programs.
I’m trying to encourage you to reach out a bit more, even for students involved here. Would that be possible?
Those comments that were made there are going to be taken well and it’s something that really gives us a new idea that we can explore. Yes, it is possible.
Mr. Curley: Yes, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate that so much because you see the facilities out there and then you also see some of them that need tremendous help.
In terms of the other Inuit-related or culturally-related courses, I think the most important one is probably the translator program. How are these programs going?
From the outside, I’m not too sure whether they are fully utilized as they should. Are they functioning well? I know there are also other life skill related, traditional Inuit college courses going on, but what is the dropout rate, for instance?
I am glad that Mr. Curley brought this topic up in training of translators and interpreters, especially because there is a growing and great demand for these types of services to be provided in Nunavut, not only in the government, but across private industry and with Inuit organizations.
At present, we do offer the only course in Iqaluit right now. I think there is an intake of maybe four people.
There is a challenge in recruiting people to get into the program and that’s something that we need to try and work on.
I do have some very good news in this regard, in the demand for these interpreter-translators and the training we are providing, because we did receive a letter from the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly that this is a priority not only with the government, but with the legislature too. We have anticipated providing this type of programming and courses.
In the year 2014-15, we’re going to accelerate that and we’re going to incorporate it into this coming fiscal year, 2013-14. That is our plan to expand this type of training and programming to the other regions across Nunavut.
I think it will be good to get some of the data on what your target might be. You can promise me wide-open opportunities for students, but unless we specifically say what the plan is that would probably be monitored each year, I’m not 100 percent sure yet whether that would come through.
I want to encourage you, though.
Throughout Nunavut, there are many good individuals who could help the government. There are bilingual individuals in each community who are 100 percent better at Inuktitut speaking than I do. You can actually go into the Inuktitut typewriters and produce.
Why can’t we have a sunset provision and not grandfather them into the business of being able to provide that service?
I know many say that they’re only looking for people now to work for the government, translation and documents, as well as consecutively.
Unless you have been through the translation courses, you don’t qualify. Why is that?
Again, anybody who is interested in getting into these programs, into interpreter/translator, we absolutely would consider the skills that they already have and we would do that through a prior learning assessment and see what they already have that are equivalencies of any program that we offer and those would be credited and accountable for.
Also, Mr. Curley, I think there are a whole lot of people out there in all of our communities who have the capabilities of being interpreter/translators and they need to be maybe certified or qualified, but they also need to be encouraged to maybe even start their own businesses up to do this type of work because there is such a great need for it.
I think that is something that they can access small business loans or loans through ED&T to pursue that type of career and business that would be economically beneficial for them and their families.
I thank the minister for that, but I cannot promise you that would happen.
That’s your call to certify them, as we did for the nursing professions.
We made them legal that they can function as nurses and also practical nurses so that they can operate specific elements of health care as registered nurses in communities. We did it through certifying them.
Unless we offer something as a government, not just a hope, we’re going to miss out because the lock jam that I heard to enter into a translator program is about two years.
They can’t get in because there are people who have applied are so huge and the facility here can only take so many.
So I think, as a result, throughout the year, there was a call for “We need local courses for a translation service program.” I know from a Kitikmeot member when my colleague did call last year that “Why not have them locally?” That was one call.
Also, I think we can improve by certifying those who have the experience so that… . Like you say, there’s no good trying to get into a business unless you’re given some accreditation that can prove that you’re able to provide that service.
Would the minister consider including those so that the government and the public can be served with more experience? Even some young people have gone through sometimes a real challenge in the Inuktitut language.
So I would like to ask the minister if he would give more and maybe consider it with some of the points I made.
Of course, we would consider the points that Mr. Curley is making, all of them, actually.
I would just like to add that we absolutely would be interested in certifying people if they have those skills, then through our prior learning assessment tools that we have, we could assess those people and see what level that they’re at. If they are at the level already that they could be certified, we would be more than willing to do that.
So there are avenues that we can work on this.