EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
These are some of the problems that we have encountered before.
We will hopefully have more say in the future on how the shipping is done.
Speaker(interpretation): Thank you Mr. Anawak.
Oral Questions, Mr. O'Brien.
Question 181 - 1 (2): Exploration in Keewatin Region
This question is for the Minister of Sustainable Development.
I realize that the minister may not be able to provide a great amount of detail on this question but I was wondering if he could provide some detail on the status on the exploration of Keewatin region.
As it stands of what we will see this summer
Minster responsible for Sustainable Development, Mr. Kilabuk.
In regards to your question about exploration operations I know that they will continue.
There are plans but I can not answer you in detail at this time.
On the issue of the exploration that has been halted in Kitikmeot, we are reviewing the amounts of money that are going to be used in that area, and our department is way behind according to the Canadian statistics in regards to exploration.
So at this time we will focus on exploration and the existing mines in operation, so I am encouraging you to work with us.
Mr. Speaker I wonder if the Minister could tell us what thought they have, or what types of ideas in reference to encouraging more exploration in the regions.
As I have stated earlier we are now accumulating information as to where there has been exploration done.
We will review all the information we have on where the exploration has taken place.
We are encouraging interested parties to assist in the review of the issue because we can save a lot more money by reviewing all the past experiences.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Kilabuk, Mr. O'Brien.
I wonder if the Minister could provide us with any information he may have as to the possibility of seeing a mine open and operating in the next 3 – 5 years in the Keewatin.
In response to your question perhaps if you could rephrase your question.
Are you asking a question in respect to information that has not been publicized?
Please rephrase your question Mr. O'Brien.
Mr. Speaker, I am not asking for information that is not available to the public or has not been publicized, but there may be information that is available to this House.
For example, in the Baker Lake area outside of Rankin, if the Minister could give us some ideas as to where things stand to date with these operations.
Some time during the day when we are dealing with my department, if it is okay with you, could you wait for the response until we get into the Committee of the Whole so that we could deal with the figures and with the main estimates at the same time.
Question 182 - 1 (2): Inmate Concerns in Nunatsiaq News
I would like to direct this question to the Minister of Justice.
On Friday I saw in the Nunatsiaq News a concern from inmate.
I read the letter from the inmates, and it was addressed to the Premier.
The concerns that were contained in the letter, how are you going to deal with these concerns.
Speaker (interpretation): I don’t know if the Minister has seen the article, but we cannot ask the Minister if he has seen the letter in the newspaper, but Mr. Anawak, Minister of Justice if you would like to respond I will give you the opportunity.
Yes, we received a copy of the letter prior to it being published in the Nunatsiaq News.
Our department received a copy of the letter.
It is evident that we have to amend the correctional policies because the letter stated quite a few concerns.
I know that we will look into the issues that were raised in the Nunatsiaq News.
As I have stated previously, once we start on the planning we will work with the regular MLA's in the future and we will deal with the letter and we will review all of the concerns that were raised.
Question 183 - 1 (2): Nunavut Products at Pan American Games
Mr. Speaker, today I want to direct my question to the Minster responsible for, and you will have to bear with me, I will learn the name over the next few months, the Minister responsible for Ikupiktulirijikkut.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know April 1st has gone by and Nunavut is here and it has been a monumental occasion for Nunavut, ourselves and also the world.
There is another occasion coming up briefly in the next month or two in Winnipeg, called the Pan American games.
There are going to be individuals from all over the America's.
With Nunavut the highlight of Canada right now, I was wondering if the Minister and his very dedicated and hardworking staff, have some kind of plan in place to highlight Nunavut arts and crafts and tourism at the Pan American games this year and if he has could he explain it to me.
Minister responsible for Ikupiktulirijikkut. Mr. Kilabuk.
In response to your question , I cannot say if we have any plans for the Pan American games, however in regards to the handicrafts and showing of handicrafts at this time I would like to tell the member that we would like to show all our handicrafts all over the world.
For example during the sealing meeting in Montreal, that was just the beginning of this.
But I have not heard personally about the Pan American games as to if anything is being done there.
The Minister did answer part of my question and Mr. Speaker, is the Minister going to commit to highlighting and sending delegates from all of Nunavut to the Pan American games to publicize our great Territory of Nunavut and the arts and crafts people and the tourism involved.
At this time, I would like to honestly respond to you, but it is impossible to send delegations from the whole of Nunavut at this time.
If we can participate, we will involve Nunavut, but at this time I cannot say that all of Nunavut will be represented.
Oral question, Mr. Kattuk.
Question 184 - 1 (2): Cost of Living Subsidies
My question is to the Premier.
In the north, here, the cost of living is very high.
Does the government know if there are federal subsidies for the high cost of living in the north.
Acting Premier, Mr. Ng.
Mr. Speaker, I am not sure if there are federal subsidies except those through Canada Post for food mail.
This is a program that they utilize, I believe the Honourable Member Mr. Irqittuq, asked me this question a while back and we are trying to compile some information on that.
The Government of Nunavut does have some programs to assist our constituents, whether it is subsidizing POL products, or through the commercial power rebate subsidy program for private home operators, through some of our subsidized housing, public housing and various programs like that.
I will try to provide more information on the whole breadth of government subsidies.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Oral question, Mr. Kattuk.
With the subsidies that you have stated, I was wondering if they are currently being implemented in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, all of the subsidies that were available with the GNWT were all transferred over and remain in place with the Government of Nunavut as it stands now.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Oral questions, Mr. Iqaqrialu.
Question 185 - 1 (2): Whales Trapped near Grise Fiord
This is directed to the Minister of Sustainable Development.
I heard on the CBC radio this morning that there are whales trapped near Grise Fiord.
I wonder what the Minister is doing about that.
I would like to first clarify that the whales are the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
I was not originally aware of the issue raised by the Member but the day before yesterday I authorize funds to be used for our wildlife officers to assist DFO.
So according to yesterday’s information the whales have been rescued already.
Question 186 - 1 (2): Cost of Food
Mr. Speaker, I will direct my question to the Acting Premier, I am not sure if he is the Minister responsible for the area I want to address.
Mr. Speaker, recently some of us have read in the paper, in this community for example, they talk about the price of food.
An individual went to the store to buy some corn on the cob and he saw the price $1.87 and thought that was for the whole package but then he found out that the $1.87 was for one corn on the cob.
Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure whether we have, will have, or could have any price controls in Nunavut.
We know that it is fine for people working and making a good salary, they can afford to pay for the groceries, but we have many people on social assistance that can’t pay that $1.87 for corn.
That Mr. Speaker, would be equal to about 22 dollars for a dozen corn on the cob when you would pay 2 dollars in Alberta for a dozen.
Mr. Speaker, is there any way that this government could get involved in trying to oversee and have a closer look at the price of food, or get some control over the price of food in Nunavut.
Acting Premier Mr. Ng.
Mr. Speaker, it is an issue that we are aware of as a government.
We, quite frankly, haven’t looked at any of those possibilities along those lines.
There has been some discussion at the very preliminary stage right now about the possibility of rent controls but it wouldn’t have to do with consumer products.
I guess that answer goes hand in hand with the issue that I am trying to address here. It is accommodations and food.
Mr. Speaker, this problem has gone on for many, many years and at some point in time we have to address it.
Would the Minister commit to following up on this to see if there is anything we could do to try to make sure that the cost of food is within reason.
Mr. Speaker, we certainly can take a look at the issue, but it is a very complex issue in respect of the private market, supply and demand, freight rates and the higher operating costs we know that companies that operate within the Arctic area.
So I can say that we will take a look at it and see if there are any measures that we might be able to put into place.
Question 187 - 1 (2): Cost of Living Adjustments for Social Assistance
Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health & Social Services but he is not here so I will direct it to the Acting Premier.
In regards to the cost of living in Nunavut. We have all heard in the past year that NavCanada rates have increased.
That directly effects all of us in Nunavut.
People working can deal with this but there are the people on social assistance.
Is there some mechanism of this government that tracks the cost of living increases in regards to the price of food going up in Nunavut and people on social assistance are pegged at a certain dollar amount every month.
Is there any mechanism that if the price of groceries goes up in Nunavut, the social assistance cheques go up at the same time.
Mr. Speaker, yes there is in the bureau of statistics, I don’t know specifically from the government of Nunavut if that is a contracted back service or not, there is the bureau of statistics that does track the consumer price index.
In respect to the Honourable members’ concern about income support rates I know that there also is what they call a “food basket”, which is a grouping of foods that is surveyed.
The survey of food identifies basic needs that are surveyed on a regular basis to see if those income support levels are meeting that basket of needs.
There are adjustments that are made from time to time to reflect the increased cost of living.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Oral questions, Mr. O'Brien.
I am sorry Mr. McLean.
I am pleased.
Getting back to my question to the Minister.
Can the Minister commit to check and see that the cost of living in Nunavut today and the social assistance recipients, that the price increase of groceries in our communities is not exceeding the social assistance recipients benefits, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Kelvin Ng: Thank you Mr. McLean, O’Brien?
Mr. Speaker, yes we can commit to see exactly what the level that is at and what the comparative value would be.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Oral questions, Mr. Tootoo.
Question 188 - 1 (2): Subsidy Evaluation
Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Acting Premier, or Minister of Finance.
I would like to ask the Minister about a topic that was talked about this morning.
He listed various subsidies that are offered by the government.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to know if the department of Finance or the government is taking a look at exactly what we are paying out in subsidies and what we are getting for that.
Evaluating whether we have our subsidies in the right place.
Mr. Speaker, I think that would be the case.
It goes back to trying to set the priorities of what our programs and policies are and trying to meet the needs of our constituents.
It would be a part of the broader issue of assessing our priorities and where we should be putting our financial resources.
Speaker; Thank you Mr. Ng. Oral questions.
Oral questions. (interpretation) Oral questions.
Item 8: Returns to Written Questions
Return: 2 - 1 (2): Nunavut Share of the GNWT Surplus
Mr. Speaker, I have a return to a written question asked by Mr. Iqaqrialu on May 19th on Nunavut’s share of the accumulated GNWT surplus.
Mr. Speaker, the 99/2000 GNWT budget indicated that because of a one time adjustment to the formula financing grant, a 62 million dollar accumulate surplus was forecast for the GNWT Public Accounts pending March 31, 1999.
Mr. Speaker, because the Public Accounts for fiscal year 98/99 will not be finalized until the fall, the actual amount of the accumulated surplus will not be know until October 1999.
Mr. Speaker, the accumulated surplus will be proportioned between the GNWT and Nunavut according to the Agreement on the Division of Assets and Liabilities with approximately 44% going to Nunavut and the remaining 56% going to the GNWT.
Speaker: Thank you Mr. Ng. Returns to Written Questions.
Item 10, Petitions.
Petition 8 - 1 (2): Hall Beach School Extension
I would like to present a petition today which concerns a school extension in Hall Beach.
Mr. Speaker, this petition contains 75 signatures from Hall Beach.
Item 11, Reports of Standing and Special Committees Item 12, Reports of Committees on Review of Bills
Tabled Document 17 - 1 (2): Private Business
I have a document to be tabled that will be addressed to Sustainable Development.
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Iqaqrialu. If you are going to be tabling documents you have to indicate what the document is in regards to.
Perhaps you could tell us what this document is about.
This document is in regards to private business.
I think this is the responsibility of Sustainable Development.
Tabled Document 18 - 1 (2): Nunavut Arts Council Discussion Paper
Earlier on this morning I mentioned the Nunavut Arts Council.
I wanted to remind you that I will be tabling this item and inform all the communities and the members that we will be putting in place the Nunavut Arts Council and that we will be setting the policies for this Council.
I wanted to remind everyone at this table that I want your assistance on how we can work on this together.
Item 14, Notices of Motions.
Item 19, Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters: Bill 1 – Appropriation Act, 1999-2000, Bill 2 – Boards of Management Dissolution Act, Bill 3 – Divisional Education Councils Dissolution Act, Committee Reports 1 – 1(2), 2 – 1 (2), 3 – 1 (2) and 4 – 1 (2) with Mr. Iqaqrialu in the chair.
Chairperson (Mr. Iqaqrialu) (interpretation): We will convene as the Committee of the Whole.
Today we will be dealing with the Department of Sustainable Development budget.
Do you want to proceed.
We will take a ten minute break.
>>Committee Recessed at 11.21 am.
>>Committee Resumed at 11.35 am.
I would like the Ministers’ opening remarks to be read before lunch hour, if it is not too lengthy.
I almost stood up, I would like Mr. Kilabuk to make his statement.
Chairperson (interpretation): All in favour.
You can go ahead Mr. Kilabuk, Minister of Sustainable Development.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Chairman, we might not have enough time.
I would like to get your permission to go to the witness table.
Chairperson (interpretation): Thank you Minister of Sustainable Development.
Minister of Sustainable Development, you can proceed, we are waiting.
Hon. Peter Kilabuk (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Statement on the Economy of Nunavut
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to have the opportunity today to speak to the Committee of the Whole on the economy of Nunavut, followed by a presentation on the estimates for the Department of Sustainable Development.
As a new Territory in Canada, we are at the very beginning of a new and challenging stage in “our journey”.
Mr. Chairman, as with all new things, there are questions in peoples minds…questions that we as a government must always be willing to examine, and provide answers to – to the satisfaction of our people.
We know for example, that our people are asking questions about economic development in the new Territory.
They have high expectations that this new Government will make a difference.
There are questions from our partners in economic development.
In the past year, we have heard from the federal government, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and from some of the Inuit Organizations, about an economic strategy for Nunavut.
With the creation of this Assembly, Mr. Chairman, there is now an opportunity to respond on behalf of all the people of Nunavut.
Mr. Chairman, I also welcome the opportunity to answer those who question the very nature of our economy, who question, in fact, the self-reliance of our people.
Mr. Chairman, our economy is an exciting mix of new growth driven by markets we don’t control, and our traditional way of life.
Our connection to the land, which we call the traditional economy, is often overlooked by outside observers assessing Nunavut’s wealth and economic prospects.
Yet this traditional economy is strong here in Nunavut, Mr. Chairman.
When I speak about the development of the economy of Nunavut, I am speaking in terms of sustainable development.
This means Mr. Chairman, that we recognize that the development of our economy is dependent on the land, on the continuing good health of the natural environment that has sustained our people for thousands of years.
Sustainable development also means development that includes all our people, that draws on all our talents, and on the collective wisdom we have inherited from our ancestors.
It is development that assures the greatest participation of our people, wherever they may live in Nunavut.
When these three elements are in balance – the protection of our land, economic development, and the full participation of our people – then I believe that economic development can be sustainable, that it can be long-lasting, and, Mr. Chairman, that it will lead us to our goal: healthy communities in Nunavut.
Our Dynamic Labour Force
Mr. Chairman, In Nunavut people come first.
We are all affected by economic activities in Nunavut but, in today’s world, we are perhaps most concerned about the economy when we reach working age.
Our working age population in Nunavut, or the number of persons aged between fifteen and sixty-four years of age, is estimated to be a total of 16,433 people in this year, 1999.
During this government’s term of office, it is projected that the number of people of working age in Nunavut will increase by at least 13%.
As many commentators, particularly in the media, have pointed out, it will be a great challenge for this Government to assure that people of working age in Nunavut have an opportunity to assume a productive role in his or her community.
We often hear that our unemployment rate is at least 22% across Nunavut, and much higher than that, in some of our communities.
I want to state, here and now, Mr. Chairman, that as Minister of Sustainable Development, I am committed to seeing this number reduced significantly over the term of this government.
There are several reasons why I am confident that we can achieve this goal.
Mr. Chairman, there are some very positive trends in Nunavut that warrant mentioning.
Few people are aware, for example, that between 1991and 1996, there was a greater percentage increase in jobs in Nunavut, than in any other part of Canada, or in the country as a whole.
We expect this trend to continue throughout the term of this government.
We all know that employment depends on achieving higher levels of education.
In the ten years between 1986 and 1996 the percentage of our adult population who left school before grade 9 has fallen from fifty-three to thirty-one per cent.
At the same time, the percentage of our adult population who graduated and obtained a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, has almost doubled.
I do not want to force this Committee to listen to a long list of statistics, Mr. Chairman.
And we all know that statistics can be misleading.
But it is important that we recognize that positive changes are taking place in our working age population, and that we expect these changes to continue, and to continue to improve.
We have in Nunavut a young and dynamic labour force, a growing population of working age.
We must view this as one of the greatest resources we possess.
Nunavut’s “Mixed” Economy
I have said that in Nunavut we have an economy that is unique in Canada.
Our economy is a dynamic mixture of the traditional economy, based on the production of food, clothing and craft, and new resource opportunities in tourism, the fishery, and minerals.
Mr. Chairman, government plays a large a role in our economy.
Many of the employment opportunities available in Nunavut are with government.
This has caused frustration in the past for many of our people, who have had little to say about what type of employment is available in government, and, in many cases, have been excluded from government jobs because of the special qualifications required.
But today we, in this Assembly, we are the Government.
All of us here, Mr. Chairman, can assure that there will be more and more opportunities for our people to take the jobs in our Government, and to find those jobs closer to their homes, in our communities.
Many have called for greater diversification of our economy.
This process is already underway.
For those who question the range of activity in our economy I invite them to review the list of businesses in Nunavut that is now available on the world-wide web.
There you will find ample evidence of the enterprising nature of our people.
Here in Nunavut we have
created businesses in a wide range of economic sectors, from the construction of houses and public buildings, to tourism, to the retail trade, in services, communications, transportation and information technologies, in the minerals industry, in the commercial fishery, and in manufacturing.
For example, Mr. Chairman, in my own community, in just the past few years, we have begun manufacturing signs, such as the one you can see today at the entrance to Iqaluit from the airport.
This situation is not unique to Pangnirtung.
The listing of Nunavut businesses to which I refer contains almost four hundred individual company names, in thirty-two categories of business activity.
In the past two years, more than one hundred and sixty businesses have registered as Inuit-owned firms under Article 24 of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement.
Nunavut’s economy today, Mr. Chairman, is based on more than government jobs.
I do not want to suggest here, Mr. Chairman, that I am satisfied about the level of business development in Nunavut.
I know that in many of our communities, business opportunities are limited, and economic development has been slow.
That is why we have retained the programs for business development we have acquired from our predecessors in the GNWT, and why we are currently examining ways to make them more effective in Nunavut.
(interpretation ends): The Business Incentive Program is being maintained and reviewed.
The Business Credit Corporation and the Community Futures Program will continue to provide loans to viable business enterprises in Nunavut.
My Department will continue to support small business through grants and contributions for start-ups, development of existing businesses, and training.
I am particularly pleased to see that program partnerships are being formed between my Department and Inuit Organizations, across Nunavut.