EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
If something of that route is to be undertaken, and if we’re going to propose to build a bridge at the mouth of the river, what would be your position?
I’ll get Mr. Monteith to respond to that question please.
Mr. Monteith: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
There was talk of building a road through the park and a bridge, and there was a little bit of confusion related to that.
Originally we thought that the, and got this information from Community and Government Services, that they wanted to put a road through the park and then build a bridge to cross the river and they wanted to extend the existing road.
But, after we heard that, there were other meetings that took place in the community with Elders and in fact, the roads that they were speaking to was not the road through the park, but the road to the river to the west of the community, which is outside the park.
So, there was a little bit of confusion initially, but I think it’s all ironed out now. I believe CGS is looking at putting a proposal for building a road and possibly a bridge associated with that.
I appreciate Mr. Monteith’s response.
I know it’s something that could spark up anytime because we have a very active community and certainly, the department is also important to the community and we realize that.
But the best route for having a small bridge across is really right in the middle of the park, and I fully understand that it’s possible to go around a longer detour, like you said, probably follow it up and turn to the west. So, the lake is not all that far from the mouth of the river.
So, I needed that information mainly because I really want to see something communicated between the community, the park, and the government. So, you certainly are aware of the idea, and what I hear from you, it’s possible to have the discussions between our parties to agree as to where the best route is. Is that what I’m hearing from you?
I will get Mr. Monteith to respond to that question.
Chairman: Mr. Monteith.
Mr. Monteith: Thank you.
Yes, certainly. We are interested in meeting with anyone on that particular road, and the other player, obviously, is the Kivalliq Inuit Association that has taken an interest in it because it’s tied to the IIBA and I believe Article 10 specifically deals with the park and any roads and access through the park.
My understanding was that the preferred road now is going to be not within the park, but to the west of the community. But I certainly am available any time to meet.
Mr. Curley (interpretation): I’m done. Thank you.
Chairman: Tangible Assets.
Chairman: Thank you. Tangible Assets. Kitikmeot Region.
I guess since we are on the theme of bridges, I thought I would put my two cents worth in.
We have a park and to get to there, we have a bridge to cross, and that bridge is 40 or 50 years old. There have been some concerns in Cambridge Bay that it’s getting a little dangerous, particularly where it connects to the river banks.
I am wondering if the minister and his officials have had any conversations or discussions in Cambridge Bay and if they are not going to replace that bridge, at least ensuring that it’s safe to cross with tourists and other people that are going out there for recreational or sport groups.
For the bridges within the park area, which were with the community, but if it’s not within the park, I believe there’s another department that would work with you.
We will have to look into where the bridge is; if it’s within the territorial park.
Mr. Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Unfortunately, it’s not within the park, but to get to the park, you have to cross the bridge. So, if you can’t cross the bridge, you can’t get to the park unless you have a helicopter.
I know what you’re referring to. But, I just wanted to ask that question because it is... perhaps the minister of the other department is listening and he’ll look into that for us.
Total Kitikmeot Region. $950,000.
Total Tangible Assets. $2,230,000.
Go to page I-4.
Total Capital Expenditure. $2,230,000.
Are you agreed that the Department of Environment is concluded?
I’d like to thank the minister and his staff for coming to this Committee of the Whole.
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk (interpretation): I would like to thank the officials who are in front of the committee with me and also the Members of the Legislative Assembly.  I would like to thank you for concluding this department.
Orders of the Day. Item 20.
Report of Committee of the Whole. Mr. Evyagotailak.
Your committee has been considering Bill 1, and the capital estimates and would like to report progress.
Also, Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of this Committee of the Whole be agreed to.
Is there a seconder? Mr. Tapardjuk.
Orders of the Day for November 30:
Motion 2 – 2(3)
Motion 3 – 2(3)
Speaker (interpretation): The House stands adjourned until November 30, 2005 at 1:30 in the afternoon.
>>House adjourned at 18:06
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Pages 625 – 691
Opening Prayer 625
Ministers’ Statements 625
Members’ Statements 629
Returns to Oral Questions 635
Oral Questions 636
Revert to Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery 655
Written Questions 655
Returns to Written Questions 656
Reports of Standing and Special Committees 656
Motions 658
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 665
Report of the Committee of the Whole 689
Wednesday, November 30, 2005 625
044 – 2(3): Nunavut Inspections by WCB (Akesuk) 625
045 – 2(3): Gasoline Quality Report (Brown) 626
046 – 2(3): Mineral Exploration (Kilabuk) 627
047 – 2(3): Children’s Dental Initiatives (Aglukkaq) 628
048 – 2(3): Nunavut’s Grade 12 Graduates on the Rise (Picco) 628
074 – 2(3): FOL Site for Trades’ School (Alagalak) 629
075 – 2(3): Recognition of Joe Joanasie (Akesuk) 630
076 – 2(3): Premiers’ Meeting in Kelowna BC (Arreak) 630
077 – 2(3): GN Approach to the Education Act (Tootoo) 631
078 – 2(3): Support for the Pangnirtung Fishing Industry (Kilabuk) 632
079 – 2(3): Prepare Nunavut for Proper Training in the Mining Industry (Barnabas) 633
080 – 2(3): Talented Artists & Musicians of Cambridge Bay (Peterson) 633
081 – 2(3): Opening of Rehabilitation Centre in Iqaluit (Picco) 634
Return to Oral Question 071 – 2(3): Workshop on Shamanism (Tapardjuk) 635
Return to Oral Question 083 – 2(3): Changes to Down Payment Assistance Program (Akesuk) 635
099 – 2(3): Disregarding the Priority Hiring Policy (Tootoo) 636
100 – 2(3): Status of the Peary Caribou Issue (Barnabas) 638
101 – 2(3): $5 Million to Non-Decentralized Communities (Mapsalak) 639
102 – 2(3): Status of Mining Issues (Evyagotailak) 640
103 – 2(3): Defining Shamanism (Netser) 642
104 – 2(3): Update on a $60,000 Sole Source Contract (Curley) 644
105 – 2(3): Strategy to Combat Youth Suicide (Peterson) 645
106 – 2(3): RCMP Dog (Alagalak) 648
107 – 2(3): Nunavut Education Act (Tootoo) 650
009 – 2(3): 2006 Arctic Winter Games (Evyagotailak) 655
Return to Written Question 003 – 2(3): 2005 Fuel Re-supply (Brown) 656
Committee Report 001 – 2(3): Interim Report of the Standing Committee on Health & Education on the Review of Nunavut Arctic College (Alagalak) 656
002 – 2(3): Extended Adjournment (Kilabuk) 658
003 – 2(3): Ending Domestic Violence in Nunavut (Kilabuk) 659
Bill 01 – Appropriations (Capital) Act, 2006-07 – Legislative Assembly – Consideration in Committee 665
Bill 01 – Appropriation (Capital) Act, 2006-07- Justice – Consideration in Committee 670
Bill 02 – Supplementary Appropriation (Capital) Act #2, 2005-06 – Consideration in Committee 682
Bill 03 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #2, 2005-06 – Consideration in Committee 682
Bill 04 – Supplementary Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act #4, 2004-05 – Consideration in Committee 682
Speaker (interpretation): I would like to ask Mr. Tapardjuk to say the opening prayer.
Good afternoon, Mr. Premier, Ministers, and Members.
Minister’s Statement 044 – 2(3): Nunavut Inspections by WCB (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues.
I am pleased to announce that this year, for the first time, the Workers’ Compensation Board safety officer has visited all communities.
At the beginning of 2005 Nunavut operations committed to visiting each region a minimum of three times throughout the year. To date, safety officers have conducted a total of 594 industrial inspections, and 31 mine inspections throughout Nunavut.
With the expansion of mining exploration and development in Nunavut, mine inspections and site visits have recently increased. In addition, safety officers made nine visits to DEW Line sites to monitor ongoing clean up.
The safety officer’s role is to conduct safety inspections on any business operating in Nunavut.
Their purpose is to insure the minimum safety standards are present in all work places.
The visits emphasize injury and illness prevention and the necessity of safe work sites for both workers and employers.
As a priority activity, the Workers’ Compensation Board is developing a strategic safety plan that will identify communities and business categories that may need additional help in workplace safety.
It will also identify those communities and companies with good safety records.
In conjunction with this plan the Workers’ Compensation Board is also developing worksite specific programs to increase awareness of Workers’ Compensation Board support available to employers.
The Workers’ Compensation Board will work more closely with employers to establish safety strategies in the workplace.
With this type of program and increased work site visits the goal is to reduce workplace injuries and illness across the north.
I am very pleased to recognize the increased efforts of our Workers’ Compensation Board to protect our workers.
Good safety prevention, Mr. Speaker, not only reduces the costs to the employer and the health care system but also reduces the pain and suffering for our loved ones by unnecessary work place accidents.
Minister’s Statement 045 – 2(3): Gasoline Quality Report (Brown)
Hon. Levinia Brown: Qujannamiik, Uqaqtittijii.
I have tabled a report on the gasoline issues that took place last winter.
The report describes the combination of circumstances that most likely led to individuals in nine communities experiencing engine performance problems with the gas from the Shell refinery.
The gas supplied met all our specifications.
The problems were caused by combination of factors, including the high-octane rating of the fuel, the removal of the MMT additive, the extreme cold conditions and the hard use we make of our vehicles.
Mr. Speaker, Petroleum Products Division and Shell responded to the problems and took action to correct it.
While it did take time to correct the problem, it was because of the difficulties both parties had in identifying the problem and developing a method to address it.
When a solution was found, the fuel was treated.
Shell has also taken steps to ensure that the same problems do not occur with this year’s fuel supply.
I would like to acknowledge the cooperation that we received from Shell.
I would like to thank them for the compensation program they established for spark plugs and the process they established to investigate more serious engine damage complaints.
I realize that there are those who do not feel that enough was done. However, given the combination of factors that led to the problems I feel the response was appropriate.
Mr. Speaker, the report makes recommendation that I believe will help us reduce the possibility of similar events in the future and better prepare us to respond when issues arise.
I have accepted those recommendations and the department will immediately implement them.
With the cooperation of the Department of the Environment, we are establishing and will publicize a formal complaints process.
There will be a contact in each community and a means to track issues and respond more quickly.
My department will approach the Alberta Research Council, major fuel suppliers in the north, and snowmobile manufacturers to undertake research into the fuel needs in Nunavut.
Particular attention will be paid to the unique needs of small engines in typical heavy use on the land.
The researchers will also be asked to address the question of the appropriate octane levels to specify.
A review of the Petroleum Products Division structure and staffing needs has already begun.
A particular focus is being placed on ensuring that Petroleum Products Division has the appropriate structure to deal with quality issues and consumer complaints and to respond quickly to issues.
Mr. Speaker, in Nunavut we operate vehicles in extreme conditions and put them to hard use. We must continually work with fuel supply manufacturers to deal with those circumstances. I feel the recommendation in the report and the steps I am taking to address them will help ensure the ongoing supply of high quality fuel to Nunavut communities, despite those harsh conditions.
Minister’s Statement 046 – 2(3): Mineral Exploration (Kilabuk)
I rise today to update this House regarding mineral exploration activities in Nunavut.
This year, for the second time in a row, private industry has invested over $170 million in their search for minerals.
The Government of Nunavut is pleased to see this kind of investment in our territory and we want to encourage the sector to continue to explore new possibilities and to help us build a strong, vibrant economy for our residents.
Deposits of minerals are extremely rare, very difficult and expensive to find. For that reason, the Government of Nunavut is developing clear policies that will continue to attract investment, ensure our environment is protected and help the industry remain strong as we move forward with the economic development of this new territory.
This spring I will be tabling the Nunavut Exploration and Mining Strategy that will outline our plans for working with the private sector, in an effort to build a strong foundation for our future.
Minister’s Statement 047 – 2(3): Children’s Dental Initiatives (Aglukkaq)
Most people in Nunavut are able to access comprehensive dental services thanks to Health Canada and its Non-Insured Health Benefits program. The Department of Health and Social Services delivers the program on behalf of the Government of Canada. Our key goal is to prevent tooth decay through a number of preventative initiatives.
First we promote breast-feeding because it helps prevent damage to the teeth; second we offer the First Smile program that teaches proper tooth brushing and oral hygiene, members would have received the sample of the information kit this morning. Lastly, we apply a fluoride/varnish coating to children’s teeth at regular intervals.
However, dental problems do arise. Health Canada recognizes that despite our best efforts a backlog of patients has built up over the past few years. At the start of 2004 – 05, 747 patients, mostly children, needed a variety of dental work.
Health Canada is providing $1.3 million over two years for the Children’s Dental Initiative. The Government of Nunavut dental teams use the operating room at the Baffin Regional Hospital, instead of waiting for operating rooms in Yellowknife, Ottawa, or Winnipeg. A specialist is brought in for the pediatric dentistry and special services as needed.
Patients in turn are brought in from communities by charters or scheduled flights.
This benefits Nunavummiut in two ways. Patients get the treatment that they need in Nunavut much sooner than before and where some of the staff speaks Inuktitut. Costs are much lower, allowing us to re-direct savings to other health priorities.
By 2006-07 the average wait time for dental extractions will be two to three months compared to two years in Yellowknife. This is a direct result of the collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut.
Minister’s Statement 048 – 2(3): Nunavut’s Grade 12 Graduates on the Rise (Picco)
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Today I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating the recent Grade 12 graduates, their teachers, and those who supported them during their academic journey.
Education helps people make positive choices and contributes to the development of our territory.
All governments understand that equal opportunity and equal access across Nunavut is fundamental to our success.
Since the community-based high school initiative was established, the number of Grade 12 graduates has steadily increased.
In the 1999-2000 school year, there were 128 graduates.
For the 2004-05 school year, we saw 172 students graduate.
Of this number, 155 were Inuit.
Mr. Speaker, the number of graduates in the 2004-05 school year increased by more than 30 percent from the previous school year.
These graduates have gained the skills, knowledge and confidence to play a key role in building our economy and our government.
They are role models for the youth of Nunavut. Please, join me in encouraging our graduates to take advantage of further training opportunities as they become the leaders and builders of Nunavut.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister’s Statements.
Member's Statement 074 – 2(3): FOL Site for Trades’ School (Alagalak)
I rise today to express my concern over the Department of Education’s plan to use the FOL Site in Rankin Inlet as a trades’ school for Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we are under the understanding that the Federal Department of Defence could, at any time, request that the FOL facility be vacated within 24 hours, even though trades training may be underway.
Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that it is a good idea to use infrastructure that was designed and built by the federal government for a totally different purpose.
There are too many risks with this plan.
Mr. Speaker, I am further concerned that the Department of Education has only considered the three regional centers.
I want to recommend that consideration be given to establishing trades training centers in the communities of Arviat and Baker Lake, both of which are centrally located in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, we know that at least six or more different types of trades will be in high demand in Nunavut.
It does not seem wise to place all of our trades training programs in one location, especially if access to the facility in that location may be subject to a sudden and indefinite interruption.
Mr. Speaker, I suggest that the feasibility study for the establishment of Nunavut’s first Trades Training School take into consideration the options available in the communities of Arviat and Baker Lake.
In my view, Nunavummiut will not support a risky plan to use a federal military facility as the home for their trades training programs.
Member's Statement 075 – 2(3): Recognition of Joe Joanasie (Akesuk)
Hon. Olayuk Akesuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) I rise today to share with the House the successes of Joe Joanasie of Cape Dorset.
(Interpretation ends) Joe enrolled in the electrician program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, which is also known as NAIT.
This first year program is normally eight weeks long.
When Joe was encouraged to work at his own pace, he completed the course in three weeks.
Mr. Speaker, I have always known that Inuit are most innovative, given the right opportunities for succeeding in our changing world.
Joe Joanasie proves this.
Please join me in congratulating Joe Joanasie from Cape Dorset for his hard work, dedication, and success at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
Member's Statement 076 – 2(3): Premiers’ Meeting in Kelowna BC (Arreak)
Yesterday, the Premier had announced positive information about his meeting in Kelowna, in regard to the agreement that’s going to have an impact on us for housing, education and health.
The residents of Nunavut will now be informed of what is happening.
Although we have heard information and announcements before, we later on realized some announcements don’t actually go ahead.
So I am urging that the Premier announce to Nunavummiut, which issues do not go ahead.
It’ll be appropriate for Nunavummiut to hear an announcement. At times they seem to be forgotten.
The information of the announcement that was made yesterday I hope that it will go well so that Inuit of Nunavummiut will be given news that is informative.
Member’s Statement 077 – 2(3): GN Approach to the Education Act (Tootoo)
Mr. Speaker, it seems like there are a lot of educational statements today. So I will make fun of education as well.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise a concern regarding the government’s approach to developing new legislation.
Mr. Speaker, for some time now we have been looking for our government to bring forward a new made-in-Nunavut Education Act.
During the term of the first assembly Bill 1 was brought forward and did not do well in the eyes of the stakeholders, the public or the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, during the first assembly extensive discussions on Bill 1 were held with various stakeholder groups such as District Education Authorities, teachers and Inuit Organizations.
Extensive public consultations were held by the department and then again by the standing committee.
The public consultation tours were probably the most comprehensive ever undertaken by this Assembly.
The written submissions on Bill 1 that were received by the Standing Committee on Health and Education were very impressive and the levels of detail that they provided.
Mr. Speaker, at the beginning of this second assembly the government once again committed to bring forward a new made-in-Nunavut Education Act.
Mr. Speaker, what new developments have we seen as a result?
We have seen a copy of the same proposed legislation that was rejected during the first assembly being circulated.
The same community consultation tours are underway, although I’ve heard they’ve been temporarily halted due to lack of resources or manpower.
Mr. Speaker, given the government’s commitment to bring forward a new Act, how can they not provide adequate resources and manpower to get the job done properly?
The department is using previously developed material.
The department is tracing the tracks that a lot of people felt were going in the wrong direction made by previous government officials and committee members.
Mr. Speaker, when can we expect some real progress on this file?
Surely the extensive work done and feedback collected by department officials over the past five years should be some use in establishing the direction the stakeholders wish to go in developing a new legislation accordingly.
You may proceed to conclude your statement Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the Minister of Education.
I know it was hard not to say no. I appreciate it and my fellow colleagues.
Mr. Speaker, surely the standing committee’s report on the first assembly will not go unheeded. Surely the extensive comments in these written submissions will be taken into consideration.
Surely, the government would like to get it right this time.
I note that Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated has expressed its own disappointment in this government’s proposed education bill. I would suggest that in the new year the Department of Education makes a fresh start in developing Nunavut’s education legislation and sit down with the Nunavut Federation of Teachers, the DEA’s, the Regional Inuit Organizations, and NTI for full and complete discussions of the issues.
I sincerely hope that the department does what it failed to do on Bill 1.
They failed to go around and inform people of the things that they were changing, what was taken out, what has been added, and why those changes were being made. It’s only in that light that the public will get an understanding of what in the Education Act is to be included in there and why changes have been made. I believe that’s the only way that the government will get any support for such things if they continue to go on and just let people guess at what’s been changed and why.
My guess is that that Bill probably will follow the same route as Bill 1, and we certainly don’t want that to happen.
Member’s Statement 078 – 2(3): Support for the Pangnirtung Fishing Industry (Kilabuk)
Earlier, I mentioned the ship in Pangnirtung, affected by a 155-kilometer high wind. This is the same ship that unloads the turbot and shrimp for the fishery. They will be fishing until mid-February.