EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As well, the department is responsible for reporting on the financial performance of the government and ensuring that public funds are expended in an appropriate manner.
Mr. Chairman for the 2000/2001 fiscal year, Finance and Administration has a budget of 30.8 million dollars and an approved staff complement of 136 positions.
The department is comprised of a directorate and four branches: Fiscal Policy and Expenditure Management, Corporate Services, Information Management and Technology and Comptrollership and Regional Financial Services.
The department is organized to fulfil the mandate as defined by the powers and responsibilities conferred on the Minister of Finance by the Financial Administration Act.
The organization also reflects the role of the department in providing support to the operations of the Financial Management Board and the responsibilities of the Deputy Minister as the Comptroller General for the Government of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, as mentioned earlier the department's budget for the 2000/2001 fiscal year is 30.8 million compared to 27.5 million for the 1999/2000 fiscal year.
The increase of 3.3 million is required to finance the introduction of needed information technology initiatives across government and to cover the cost of handling payroll functions for staff of the former Health Boards, including payment of the Government of Nunavut's share of the employee benefits.
Perhaps the committee would like to take a break to take a quick look at it, I am only making a suggestion.
I would like to read the Chairperson's opening remarks for the committee of the whole regarding the Department of Finance and Administration if it is okay with the rest of the members.
I am pleased to be able to make some opening remarks as we begin the debate on the 2000-2001 Main Estimates for the Department of Finance and Administration.
I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the issues of concern that we have had as a Standing Committee.
The first of these relates to information management and technology.
The Standing Committee has noted that the Main Estimates for the Department include $3.5 million in increased spending on IT during the coming fiscal year.
While the Standing Committee does not dispute the need for an effective IT infrastructure for the Government, it would recommend that senior departmental decision-makers make every effort to ensure that spending does not run out of control in this area, as it appears to have done in the past.
The Standing Committee is also supportive of IT training being provided to Nunavut residents, so as to help build capacity in an area that is heavily dominated by non-resident contractors.
Mr. Chairman, the Workers' Compensation Board and the Liquor Licensing Board fall under the Minister of Finance's jurisdiction.
Over the coming year, the Standing Committee looks forward to making input into a detailed plan for the future of the WCB.
It also recommends that a comprehensive review and public consultations take place with respect to the issue of alcohol in Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee has responsibility for reviewing the Public Accounts of Nunavut and the Report of the Auditor General of Canada.
Last year, Members of the Standing Committee had the opportunity to meet with the Auditor General and his officials to discuss areas of mutual concern.
We look forward to reviewing Nunavut's first set of Public Accounts this Fall.
The Department of Finance plans to have 17 decentralized positions in Igloolik.
Over the coming year, we will be paying close attention to the success of this decentralization initiative.
On the issue of Public-Private Partnering, the Standing Committee notes that the department's business plan commits it to "adopt a set of policies and procedures to govern the management of the P3 process."
These should be made available for review.
Members also feel that the costs to Government of P3 projects should be made explicitly clear.
The Standing Committee notes that the 2000-2001 budget contained no tax increases.
Over the past year, some Members of the Committee have expressed concern over the administrative costs associated with the payroll tax that Nunavut inherited from the NWT.
We would be supportive of a review of the current tax regime in Nunavut.
In reviewing the Government's own-source revenues, we find it sobering that the Government will collect approximately 320% more revenue from tobacco taxes than it will from corporate income tax.
Finally, we note the Department's business plan commitment to "produce periodic variance reports on GN expenditures and revenues for review and public information."
We applaud this commitment to transparency, and encourage the Department to make public a wide range of information, including comprehensive lists of government contracts and community-by-community breakdowns of government expenditures.
From my understanding I believe that we will take a ten minute break after the opening remarks of the minister and the Chairperson.
Some of the members are leaving and we want to deal with the department when everybody is here so I would like to report progress at this time.
Please keep your hands up.
There appears to be a tie.
I am just going to go eenie meenie minee moe.
We can ask the Speaker to return to the House.
Speaker: Returning to the orders of the day.
Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Bill 13 and tabled documents 41 – 1(3), 61 – 1(3), 87 – 1(3) and 93 – 1(3), 95 – 1(3), 96 – 1(3) and 97 – 1(3) and would like to report that tabled document 87 – 1(3) is concluded and Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of the committee of the whole be concurred with.
Mr. Picco seconds the motion.
Meeting of Regular Caucus at half past 8 Monday morning, May 1.
Orders of the Day, May 2.
Motion 24 – 1(3)
Motion 25 – 1(3)
Motion 26 – 1(3)
Well, members there is another week gone by of rigorous debate.
I understand some of the members are leaving for their home communities.
Have a safe trip and for those that are staying in Iqaluit, enjoy.
According to the authority vested in me by motion 3 – 1(3) this House stands adjourned until Monday, May 1, in the year 2000, at 10:00 a.m.
>>House adjourned at 2.57 p.m.
DAY 44
Monday, May 1, 2000
Pages 2028 - 2113
Minister of Culture. Language, Elders and Youth
Opening Prayer 2028
Members’ Statements 2028
Ministers’ Statements 2032
Oral Questions 2033
Motions 2049
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters 2052
Point of Order 2100
Report of the Committee of the Whole 2112
Orders of the Day 2112
Monday May 1, 2000 2028
129 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq State of Emergency (Anawak) 2032
388 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Snowmobile Races (Thompson) 2028
389 - 1(3): Gjoa Haven Easter Search (Puqiqnak) 2029
390 - 1(3): Deferral of Quluaq School Expansion (Iqaqrialu) 2029
391 - 1(3): Appreciation to Assembly (Havioyak) 2030
392 - 1(3): Commissioner for Oaths (Barnabas) 2031
393 - 1(3): Pangnirtung Fishing Derby (Kilabuk) 2031
553 - 1(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Co-op (Iqaqrialu) 2033
554 - 1(3): Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public (Barnabas) 2033
555 - 1(3): Homeownership Programs (Tootoo) 2034
556 - 1(3): Delivery of Arena Material (Akesuk) 2036
557 - 1(3): Budgeting Policies (Tootoo) 2036
558 - 1(3): Nunavut Power Corporation (Iqaqrialu) 2038
559 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq Power Plant Fire (Nutarak) 2040
560 - 1(3): Education Funding for Clyde River (Iqaqrialu) 2041
561 - 1(3): NNI Registration Deadline (Barnabas) 2041
562 - 1(3): Evaluation of Nunavut Education System (McLean) 2043
563 – 1(3): Budget Process Cycle (Tootoo) 2045
564 – 1(3): Status of New Social Housing (Puqiqnak) 2046
25 – 1(3): Official Emblems (Alakannuark) 2049
26 – 1(3): Members’ Obligations (Puqiqnak) 2051
27 – 1(3): Review of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly (Havioyak) 2051
Monday May 1, 2000  Nunavut Hansard
Iqaluit, Nunavut  Monday May 1, 2000
Mr. Ovide Alakannuark, Mr. Olayuk Akesuk, Honourable James Arvaluk, Honourable Jack Anawak, Mr. Levi Barnabas, Mr. Donald Havioyak, Mr. David Iqaqrialu, Mr. Enoki Irqittuq, Honourable Peter Kilabuk, Honourable Peter Kattuk, Mr. Glenn McLean, Honourable Kelvin Ng, Mr. Jobie Nutarak, Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Honourable Paul Okalik, Honourable Ed Picco, Mr. Uriash Puqiqnak, Honourable Manitok Thompson, Mr. Hunter Tootoo.
Speaker (Hon. Kevin O’Brien): I would like to ask Mr. Nutarak to say the prayer.
Speaker: Good morning Members, I trust that everyone had a good weekend.
Last week was a busy week and hopefully by the end of this week we will finish the business of the house and the budget.
Moving to the Orders of the Day. Ministers’ Statements.
Member’s Statement 388 - 1(3): Rankin Inlet Snowmobile Races
Hon. Manitok Thompson (interpretation): Good morning and thank you, Mr. Speaker.
On Saturday and Sunday I was in Rankin Inlet and I would like to talk about the snowmobile races that were held there.
We had fifty-two participants in the snowmobile races and Mr. Speaker there were participants from many different communities.
There were approximately twenty from Rankin Inlet, there was also Willie Arualaak and Jimmy Mesiralak from part of my riding of Whale Cove. There was one person from Manitoba and there were participants from your riding of Arviat Mr. Speaker.
Also my little brother, Gabriel Bruce came from Coral Harbour, there was Noel Kaludjak and several others from Chesterfield Inlet.
In total there were fifty-two participants and the top prize went to Jim Tiuriak from Churchill and second was my nephew Neco Towtongie and the third place winner was Ross Tatty, who also participated in the Iqaluit/Kimmirut race and the fourth place went to Joe Savikatak from Arviat.
I would like to thank Bobby Foster who was the main co-ordinator and Neco Towtongie and others who worked very well together.
Once again I would like to thank everyone who participated in these events.
Member’s Statement 389 - 1(3): Gjoa Haven Easter Search
Mr. Speaker, over the Easter holidays community games were held in Gjoa Haven including a women’s dog team race held on April 26.
There was a severe white-out during the race and three of the participants got off track and were lost in the bad weather.
One of them was found shortly but it took quite a while to find the other racers.
One woman was found when she started walking home.
The other two were found the next day after a long night where many Gjoa Haven Residents spent a restless evening worried about the lost racers.
On behalf of all Gjoa Haven residents, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the searchers who found them in good condition.
I would have to say that I think most of the other racers did not get a good nights sleep because they were all worried about the 2 ladies.
All search and rescue workers be recognised because they worked hard to find people in our cold climate.
There will be a feast and part of that feast will be dedicated to the two women that were found in good condition and for the searchers who looked for them.
The people of Gjoa Haven are thankful that these racers were found safe and sound.
Member’s Statement 390 - 1(3): Deferral of Quluaq School Expansion
Today I rise to talk about the situation of Quluaq School in Clyde River and this government’s decision to defer the expansion and repairs that were planned.
I have received letters from the Hamlet and the Community Education Council that say it is going to be a major problem if the school is not worked on this year.
Because we live in a very harsh climate, the school is going to get more deteriorated and probably will become a safety issue for the students and the staff in the school.
Once that happens we are going to end up spending more money for the school renovations.
Because of this I think it is going to become a safety issue and the parents of the students may pull their kids out of school if conditions deteriorate in the upcoming winter.
It is becoming an emergency issue and we would like to see this rectified.
Members’ Statements. Mr. Havioyak.
Member’s Statement 391 - 1(3): Appreciation to Assembly
Mr. Speaker I am pleased to rise today to make what will be my last member's statement for our spring session.
Mr. Speaker it has been exactly one year and one month since I stood up with my fellow members and swore an oath of office and the oath of allegiance.
The past year has been a challenging but rewarding one for my family and me.
I would like to express my thanks to Premier Paul Okalik and all my former cabinet colleagues for their support during the time I was Minister for Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.
I know from experience that there are issues that come before the cabinet table that are often complex and lack easy answers.
The decisions taken are often difficult ones.
I am pleased that I have an opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of this department which plays such a central and vital role in the direction we want to head as a new government.
Mr. Speaker, I would also thank all the members for their support for letting me be in cabinet and for their support when I made the difficult decision to step down as minister.
Mr. Speaker my honourable colleague from Hudson Bay is in the unique position of having sat as a regular member, a minister and a couple of brief days as our speaker.
For me I have experience of answering questions from members on this side of the house.
I know what it is like to be in a position where perhaps you don't have all the answers and can't give out much information as perhaps you would like.
But this experience has taught me a few things and I know it will make my questioning effective.
Mr. Speaker I made a choice to sit as a regular member so I could take more opportunities in raising the concerns of constituents and the community.
I am already enjoying the view from this new seat.
Mr. Speaker I want to wish all my colleagues a safe and rewarding summer.
For me I will have an opportunity to spend time in Kugluktuk listening to the concerns of my constituents and taking action.
I look forward to returning to the house in a few months time and I look forward to working with all the members in the spirit of making consensus and good decisions for all communities and all Nunavummiut.
Speaker: Members’ Statements. Mr. Barnabas.
Member’s Statement 392 - 1(3): Commissioner for Oaths
Mr. Barnabas (interpretation): Good morning Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice a concern that is especially held by the smaller communities.
It is regarding the positions of commissioner of oaths which is important for certifying contracts and affidavits that are required from time to time.
We have been looking at how we can work on this issue and we have been working with the RCMP towards making the system work better.
This afternoon during oral questions I will be asking questions to the Minister of Justice on this issue.
Speaker: Members’ Statements, Mr. Kilabuk.
Member’s Statement 393 - 1(3): Pangnirtung Fishing Derby
On Friday there was a fishing derby held in Pangnirtung.
This is an annual fishing derby held in the spring.
There were 500 to 600 participants in the fishing derby that was held during this weekend.
I would like to thank the Hamlet and the recreation committee for co-ordinating the derby.
Adamie Veevee got fifty-six fish and he won a snowmobile.
In second place Susan Aningmiuk got 51 fish and she won eight hundred dollars.
Third, Panuilie Nowdluk got 37 fish and got three hundred dollars.
For the children, the first was Jazz Koluktuk who caught twenty-six fish and won a " Mini Z " snowmobile.
Joshua Kakee got nine fish and he got a 50 dollar prize.
Imopah Alivaktuk got eight fish and got a 25 dollar prize.
Also, when we weighed in the fish for the children Janice Kugluktuk with a 4 pound fish and won a bicycle.
Pauli Meetuk who was in second got 25 dollars and for third prize Pauloosie Nowdluk got 25 dollars.
Martin Nakashuk got 25 dollars also.
For the skinniest fish, first prize went to Samson Arnaqaq with a 125 dollar prize.
Second prize, Lissie Qaqasiq got duffle and fur.
Taukie Karpik won third prize and got a food hamper.
For the smallest fish, first prize went to Lucy Kooniloosie with a fish of 3 inches and she got 200 dollars.
Adamie Veevee got one hundred dollars and a jacket.
For third prize Oleepika Kanayuk got 75 dollars and an ice chisel.
For the smallest fish amongst the children Christopher Nowyuk won 75 dollars, Joshua Kakee 50 dollars and Martha Nakashook got 25 dollars.
I would like to thank Parks Canada for providing tea, coffee and snacks to the participants.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Are you finished with members’ statements.. .
Speaker: Last call for Members’ Statements. Mr. Anawak.
Hon. Jack Anawak: Thank you, I would like to go back to Item 2 on the agenda.
Speaker: The member is seeking consent to go back to Item 2, agreed.
Minister’s Statement 129 - 1(3): Sanikiluaq State of Emergency
Mr. Speaker I rise today to inform the Members of the Legislative Assembly that as a result of the destruction of the power plant in Sanikiluaq and as Minister responsible for Civil Emergencies, I am using the responsibilities established under Section 11 of the Civil Emergency Measures Act, to declare a state of emergency in the community of Sanikiluaq.
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker this will allow us to expedite the handling of this community emergency and to implement in full the measures provided by the Civil Emergency Measures Act to restore power to the community.
An emergency 125 kilowatt generator will be in place sometime later today.
This generator will provide limited temporary service to the community. At this time Mr. Speaker, the health centre has a back-up generator and is able to provide emergency care.
The Department of Health and Social Services is sending in additional medical staff this afternoon to ensure the well-being of community residents. If required, I will also be requesting military aid from the Civil Authority under the act to assist in the transportation of a larger stand-by generator which has the capacity to provide power to the entire community.
This generator will be in place within the next few days and will operate until a permanent generator is built.
(interpretation) I want to assure the members of the legislative assembly and the residents of Sanikiluaq that we are working closely with NTPC to restore full power to the community as quickly as possible.
I will keep the legislature informed of events as they develop.
Returning to the Orders of the Day. Item 4.
Item 6. Oral Questions, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Question 553 - 1(3): Qikiqtarjuaq Co-op
Mr. Speaker, the question is to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
Since last year and up to today I have worked with the minister in regards to Qikiqtarjuaq's Co-op request for assistance. How much progress has the minister made in regards to funding a new co-op store for Qikitarjuaq.
Sustainable Development has worked on the member's concern through Arctic Co-operatives.
We have been looking at where the funding might come from and as to how much the funding will be.
A possible source of funding has been found for the Co-op for Qikitarjuaq and we will be completing the review on it and I will let the member know as soon as I get the documentation done.
Speaker: Oral Questions, Mr. Barnabas.
Question 554 - 1(3): Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public
Mr. Speaker as for my member's statement, my question will be directed to the Minister of Justice.
Mr. Speaker there are some people who do read and understand some of the documents that we have to fill out which need signatures from a commissioner of oaths or notary public.
There are people that are capable of reading and some stay in town for health reasons but they are capable of holding these positions.
(interpretation)The question I have is, does the minister have in place a plan where commissioners of oath and notary public can be increased in my community.
The JPs are capable of signing those documents if they need to be signed.
I would like to respond to the member by saying that I will look into how many of these positions are in place and I will gather up the names and give them to the members.
I will also get some information to the members of the hamlet councils.
We are a new government and the Inuit have not had to have people to sign papers for them I became a commissioner of oaths by asking questions and I just wondered where the public could go to become a commissioner of oaths or notary public.
I am sure you can go through the department of justice but I am not really sure exactly which route the public can take to become commissioner of oaths or notary public.
Perhaps if they could go through the hamlet and then the hamlet would be able to contact the department of justice to become a notary public or commissioner of oaths.
Question 555 - 1(3): Homeownership Programs
Mr. Speaker my question is for the Minister responsible for Housing.
On Friday, she had indicated to the members that MDAP or the EDAP programs that are available for home ownership.
I would like to ask the minister if the Housing Corporation is currently has any type of home ownership program in place right now.
According to my budget as I indicated, there is 1 million dollars that we are going to be using for the home ownership programs.
That is the only program that we are looking at in this new budget.
Speaker: Thank you Ms. Minister.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I know that and I fully realise there is 1 million dollars allocated for home ownership but in any allocation there is usually a program and a way of divvying out and distributing those funds.
I am asking the minister is there a program or criteria in place for the allocation of that 1 million dollars.
As I stated we are working on how we are going to spend this million dollars to home owners.
I had to wait for my budget to be approved in order for us to start working on something.
Mr. Tootoo : Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker it is unfortunate to wait until a budget is passed for programs to be developed.
That is something new that I am learning I guess.
I would like to ask the minister when does she plan to have the program made available to the public.
I know these types of programs, home ownership programs, applicants would have gone through their final screening and second interview by now.
If somebody wants to buy and build their home they are looking at sea lift deadlines.
So, I think something like this is of an urgent nature and I would ask the minister when she will be making details of this program available to the public.
As I said I will be making an announcement in the very near future and that is as soon as possible. As soon as we can work on something.
Speaker: Thank you Minister. Final supplementary Mr. Tootoo.
Mr. Tootoo: Thank you Mr. Speaker I was wondering if the Minister would be a little more specific as to when or how long has the department been looking at the programs.
They started a month ago.
Do you expect within the next month or two weeks.
If Mr. Speaker, if something is not announced soon the boat will literally be missed for many individuals that may want to take advantage of this program.
I am sure that my staff are experienced in shipping materials and stuff.
So 1 million dollars according to the budget does not go far.
We will make as effective as possible.
It may be just for putting money into the hands of people who would like to buy homes.
Question 556 - 1(3): Delivery of Arena Material
I would like to direct my question to the Minister of Community Government & Transportation in regards to Kimmirut’s arena.
The announcement talked about design and that they have ordered the material or parts of the equipment by the ship.
Is there going to be a delay in the arrival of the arena materials.
We expect that the arena material should be coming into Kimmirut during the fall.
But if that is not going to be the case, I will keep the Member informed.
But as of now we expect the materials to be shipped this year and the construction will start as soon as the material supplies come in.
Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Supplementary.
Yes, I know there are quite a few designs for arenas such as the design for Sanikiluaq, Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq and I am sure that the design is similar to some of the arena designs for smaller communities.