EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
When there’s a research baseline, the federal government is more able to approve of these projects. We are continuing to request more assistance from the federal government.
As an example, the federal government has the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and for 2013-14, there was $62.8 million allocated in Canada. Unfortunately, Nunavut was not part of that particular funding allocation and we were not able to apply.
However, whenever we have discussions with our federal counterparts and wherever we have an opportunity, we continue to highlight our lack of infrastructure and we will continue to do so.
Your first supplementary, Mr. Keyootak.
The federal government recently renewed the Building Canada Fund. This federal initiative includes a “Small Communities Fund” that will “provide $1.0 billion in funding for projects in municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents.”
The program also has a component for “Northern infrastructure.”
Can the minister clarify whether or not marine infrastructure in Nunavut communities is eligible for funding under this federal program?
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell.
I don’t think I quite understand what the member is referring to. He referred to two specific funds.
There are a lot of funding programs that communities can apply towards, but what I was specifically speaking about was the Small Craft Harbours program. What he referred to was the Building Canada Fund that certain levels of government can apply towards, but they require a full background report before you can apply for this funding.
We are starting to work towards developing strategies, especially related to the Small Craft Harbours program. With the communities that are identified, there are priorities listed in these programs and his community is one of the identified communities.
Your final supplementary, Mr. Keyootak.
The Department of Economic Development and Transportation’s 2015-16 capital estimates include $500,000 in funding for projects related to small craft harbours and marine infrastructure. It is my understanding that funding is awarded based on proposals that are submitted from communities.
I believe that it is important for the minister to see with her own eyes the needs that we have in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq for new marine infrastructure.
Will the minister commit to visiting both of these communities during the upcoming summer months?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Ms. Ell.
I also thank the Member for Uqqummiut. I have pretty well travelled to every community in this region. I have actually boated in the marine areas of Qikiqtarjuaq, as I was also a resident there at one time in the past, so I am aware of the infrastructure issues they face.
Nevertheless, the fund the member referred to, which is the $500 million… . I’m sorry; I enlarged that fund accidentally.
I meant to say that $500,000 is identified for this category. We are looking to identify a further $1 million amount to put towards this fund and we will be asking for budget approval during this session.
If there is an opportunity, I am in agreement to try and visit these communities and I will identify when I would visit the communities.
Question 327 – 4(2): Foxe Basin Polar Bear Population (Mapsalak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 2013, the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board held public hearings concerning the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board’s proposal to modify the total allowable harvest for the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation.
On October 30, 2014, I asked the minister for an update on the status of this issue.
In his response on November 4, 2014, the minister stated that the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board had provided its final decision regarding the total allowable harvest of this subpopulation and that the issue was being “considered through the co-management process laid out in…the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.”
Can the minister indicate when a decision regarding the total allowable harvest of the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation will be made public?
With respect to the particular work involved in this status update, there is still more to go working with the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and the Kivalliq Wildlife Board.
With respect to this allocation and the support of a moderate increase, there are still issues related to how that will be allocated between the two regions. Once all these issues are dealt with, I will be able to respond.
Your first supplementary Mr. Mapsalak.
I thank the minister for his response. (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, in its own submission to the 2013 public hearings, the Government of Nunavut indicated that it was “in support of a moderate total increase of the Foxe Basin harvest from 113 to 123” polar bears.
Can the minister indicate if his department continues to support an increase to the total allowable harvest of the Foxe Basin polar bear subpopulation?
If I understood his question, there are still some issues requiring resolution between these two wildlife organizations on how to deal with this polar bear quota as it only highlights the quota increased and it doesn’t speak to the allocation between the regions. However, the two organizations have to complete their discussions on the allocations between the regions and this is the only thing delaying the outcome.
The actual quota increase is already completed. That is as far as I am aware of this matter.
Mr. Speaker, I raised this question on numerous occasions due to the fact that our polar bear population is significantly increasing, especially the area where they undertook a population study, and the two communities in my constituency are facing the prospect of far too many bears.
I am wondering, in the short term, if the minister will update this House on the developments as per his statement and how the allocation is divided. I wonder when that will be available.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Speaker.
This harvest increase in 2014 was recommended by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and the quota increase was the one that I approved.
All I’m waiting for is a decision from the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board and the Kivalliq Wildlife Board because this particular polar bear zone has the regional overlap.
We have to work with both the Kivalliq and Baffin regions in this particular management zone and how these increased tags will be allocated.
That still has to be decided and once these decisions are made by the two organizations, I will finally be able to provide an update.
Question 328 – 4(2): Community Access Program Funding (Hickes)
I have a question today for the Minister of Education.
Recently, I was copied on some correspondence that he received from the Friends of the Iqaluit Centennial Library.
Mr. Speaker, they had some questions of whether the continuing CAP funding, or Nunavut Community Access Program funding, is still going to be available to the organization.
Mr. Speaker, this organization has a 20-terminal site, provides the only free public access to the Internet and computing services here in Iqaluit. Last year, they had more than 13,000 users.
Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to ask the minister if this funding will be continued for this group.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague for asking the question. I would like my fellow constituents of Aggu to have a good day.
The question you raised applies not only in Iqaluit but in different communities that have computer access program, or CAP, sites.
They are able to get operating funding only if their (interpretation ends) society (interpretation) status is in good order. However, we are aware that in Iqaluit, their societal status isn’t finalized and requires more work.
Perhaps if I say it in English, on (interpretation ends) the society status, (interpretation) they still have to finalize some details. Furthermore, there is specific legislation that speaks to financial management under the (interpretation ends) Financial Administration Act (interpretation) and they have to meet all the requirements such as a proper society status and then they can access the funding through proposals.
That is, as far as I know, the situation in Iqaluit and this societal status is the barrier at this time and causing this delay.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister for that response. Mr. Speaker, this funding used to be provided under a federal program and in 2009, the funding was approximately $6,000 when it was assumed by the Government of Nunavut.
Has this funding been increased or revisited since 2009 to ensure that the funding is meeting the need to the community?
This CAP program, from the information that I have received, has increased traffic to the library, which has allowed these volunteers to offer library programming in Inuktitut, English, and French, literacy programs, including weekly preschool story times, a summer reading club, an adult book club, Saturday literacy programs, Inuktitut family story time, French family story time, family drop-in programming, and special cultural programming.
Mr. Speaker, the chair of this committee just lives down the street from me and I know how hard her and her colleagues work to provide these programs and activities through the library. I see them at different events with book fairs and promoting literacy across this territory. I would like to encourage the department to evaluate the program dollars that are being funded to this organization and, in my question, if that number has been reviewed in the last six years.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa.
Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my colleague for that question on this issue.
As we do know, the funding came from (interpretation ends) Industry Canada, (interpretation) but currently that funding has dried up from Industry Canada.
Nonetheless, we will continue to provide support to the societies as we have in the past and will continue to support them.
I concur that in Nunavut, more and more residents are utilizing these programs, so we will have to conduct a thorough review.
I would just like to bring attention to some of the statistics that were included in this correspondence that the minister has received that I was copied on. They are estimating that 95 percent of their users are Iqaluit residents who do not have home computers or access to other computing services or the Internet. It also provides a service to new residents, tourists, transient workers, and visitors from other Nunavut communities who use computers to keep in touch with friends and family.
What I’m leading to is: is the department assisting this organization with their society status if there is any information that is needed by the department to endeavour their success?
I also thank my fellow MLA for raising that issue primarily due to the reason that we continue to support the communities in regard to CAP and the computers are well utilized in the community, not just by students but also by members of the public, so you are truthful in your statement that any member of the public can use these computers in this category.
With respect to the last question, only the organizations that have society status are able to operate independently. Our department doesn’t handle society status proposals, but we encourage communities to allow residents to use the Computer Access Program where it exists and to ensure their society status is up to date.
We encourage all the communities to ensure that the society status of their organizations handling this program is up to date.
However, the Department of Education isn’t responsible for this aspect of the organizational development, but I urge all communities to check the status as they are an important aspect of our local government resources in all communities.
As an example, in Iqaluit, the computers are constantly used and I have been informed that it is successful here in the community. I support this initiative. However, each organization has to incorporate themselves independently, especially if they are to offer this program to members of the public.
Question 329 – 4(2): Dust Control in Nunavut Communities (Sammurtok)
Mr. Speaker, on October 21, 2014, I asked the minister a number of questions concerning the issue of dust control in Nunavut’s communities.
At the time, the minister indicated that his department “had discussions with some of the hamlets that have requested some assistance regarding dust control and we are prepared to assist them in the proper application of the dust control agent.”
Mr. Speaker, there are very few paved roads in Nunavut and reducing the amount of heavy dust that rises off dirt roads for the duration of the summer can become a costly initiative.
Can the minister indicate if his department has allocated any new funding to assist the municipalities with the purchase of dust control agents?
I realize that this is an ongoing issue and not only in the Kivalliq but throughout Nunavut.
We are working with our municipalities in determining what would be the best solution for the dust control program that we anticipate to actually start working more on this coming summer.
Of course, as you know, during the winter, it’s kind of difficult to determine what needs to be done.
However, once summer is here, we will be working with the municipalities again. (interpretation) Thank you.
On October 21, 2014, the minister also stated that his department was “prepared to work with the communities to ensure that dust control does take place in the communities,” but that very few communities “have actually requested this over the last summer.”
As I have previously stated in the House, the presence of heavy dust during the summer months is of serious health concern for Nunavut communities.
Can the minister indicate if he is willing to take proactive measures and offer assistance to address dust control in the communities for the upcoming summer season?
We provide all hamlets with funding annually for this program.
Within this fund we allocate, funds are identified specific to summer dust control and the amount of the fund set aside for this program is based on the length of roads maintained by the community. Also, yes, this upcoming summer is when we will again work with the municipalities to resolve this challenge they face.
Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) On October 21, 2014, the minister also stated that he would be discussing the issue of dust control with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
As the minister is aware, the Nunavut Association of Municipalities held its most recent annual general meeting on November 12 and 13, 2014.
Can the minister indicate if he discussed the issue of dust control with the Nunavut Association of Municipalities during its recent annual general meeting and, if so, what were the outcomes of those discussions?
Yes, during that AGM, our department officials met with the association, but as the minister, I was there just to present the information.
However, shortly thereafter, our officials were able to discuss this matter with the representatives of the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Association of Municipalities. (interpretation) If the member requires more information on this matter, he can request the information from that body.
Question 330 – 4(2): Minimum Wage in Nunavut (Hickes)
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for recognizing me once again today.
I noticed there was a bit more time on the clock, so I would like to revisit a question that I asked the Minister of Justice in the past.
Mr. Speaker, a couple of times last year, I brought up the fact that the minimum wage in Nunavut has not increased since 2011.
At the time, as of last May, the minister responded that he was going to make a proposal to “look at that and start the process from there.”
My question to the minister would be: has he had the chance to complete that proposal and are they looking at that process?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yes, I want to thank my colleague for continuing to press me on this matter.
We will be undertaking consultation in this year and we are currently assembling a panel that will be reviewing the minimum wage for our territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I thank the minister very much for that ongoing process.
Maybe if the minister could elaborate a little bit on the timeline that would be associated with that process.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Okalik.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We want to try and conduct an extensive consultation with as many Nunavummiut as possible. I encourage everyone to contact the panel and suggest their recommendations.
I would like to get this review completed before year-end. I would like to find the time and have the panel do their work. They will be travelling to some communities in Nunavut and hear from both business and people that are impacted by wages. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Once again I thank the minister for that response.
Mr. Speaker, under the Labour Standards Act, there is an obligation to review the minimum wage on an annual basis. Maybe I myself didn’t understand the complexity involved with the consultation process to review the minimum wage in this circumstance. My question to the minister would be: is it because it has been so long since there has been a review that it is this complex, that it seems to be a lot more of a collaborative affair from so many different stakeholders to a normal annual review as obligated under the Labour Standards Act?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Yes, the matter can be quite complicated in terms of encouraging businesses to operate in our territory and impacting on their costs can be a burden for some private small businesses.
We have to be careful in trying to make sure that we further continue to encourage investment in our territory by at least having competitive wages with that in mind and at the same time, our cost of living also increases. We have to weigh those options carefully so that we encourage opportunities for all Nunavummiut, whether they be employees or businesspeople in our territory. It is a balance that we have to reach.
I look forward to the findings of the panel and making sure that we remain competitive and at the same time, meet our costs as citizens in our territory.
I encourage all Nunavummiut to submit their expectations to the panel. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 331 – 4(2): Dust Control in Nunavut Communities (Enook)
I have a question as well as a request for clarification from the Minister of Community and Government Services.
Mr. Speaker, as you know, ever since I became a Member of the Legislative Assembly, I have continued to voice concerns about summer dust conditions and I have continued to raise this concern, as residents of Pond Inlet are very concerned about the amount of dust created in the summer season.
I have raised this question, reiterated it many times and raised it in later sessions. I continue to raise questions on this issue as in my opinion I have never received an appropriate response to this question.
My question to the minister is based on his minister’s statement that communities receive annual funding for this program basically for dust suppression or control. This fund is generally only for that specific fiscal year to deal with the summer dust issues.
I would like to ask the minister: what are your long-term plans to resolve this dust control issue we continually face in our communities every summer and to ensure that communities are no longer faced with this challenge?
With respect to the member’s question, it is understandable and quite clear.
As per my previous statement, there are funds allocated annually to the municipalities in Nunavut to deal with this issue.
I will use this example: we provide $48,000 to Cambridge Bay annually and this fund is usually sufficient for the community’s needs, as they are able to purchase 30,000 lbs. of calcium chloride to sprinkle on their roads to combat dust.
With respect to our long-term plans, we are reviewing our challenges and we try to look at alternatives. However, to date, calcium chloride continues to be used as it is the cheapest option for dust control. Furthermore, in looking at the paving option, it would result in ever increasing expenditures by this government.
The financial limitations we face are part of the issue. There are some alternatives that perhaps might be too costly for the government. We are looking at how we can use a cost-effective program, whether it’s calcium chloride or an alternative.
We’re reviewing all these things. We understand it’s a problem in Nunavut.
As I spoke to this issue, I raised the fact that it is geared only for the summer and doesn’t extend beyond that. When the calcium is sprinkled onto the road, it lasts for about two days, perhaps three days, if not shorter, and then the whole routine starts again.
I am aware of the fact that paving our roads is a monumental expense, if all community roads were to be paved.
What exactly has your department researched, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) on other substances or alternatives, or is this a dead end?
As I stated earlier, ever since I became an MLA, I continue to raise the question of dust and pavement.
We have yet to hear of a possible alternative or new system and we have never heard anyone say, “Here are the solutions”; only the stock answer of “This is still under review.”
Exactly what types of alternatives or systems aside from this current practice are being reviewed?
We have conducted research within Canada in trying to see other alternatives that may be better than the system we use at this time. We continue to research alternatives to this substance.
We were informed of another chemical which isn’t (interpretation ends) calcium chloride, (interpretation) but a different chemical that bonds with gravel and sand to form a surface layer that acts like pavement.
These are the types of alternatives we are trying to explore at this time.
Another matter I want to ask about, if I understood the (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, (interpretation) he stated that the department would work with NAM or the MTO on this matter, I suppose, the communities indirectly.
What are your next steps and what are your priorities?
Firstly, with respect to the association of municipalities, we met with them for the first time upon my appointment and provided (interpretation ends) memory sticks. (interpretation) I don’t know the corresponding Inuktitut term. We provided them with the memory stick containing the different types of dust suppression methods they could use in their communities. The information was available on the stick.
As well, the (interpretation ends) Nunavut Association of Municipalities, (interpretation) obviously representatives from every hamlet attend these meetings, so we used this opportunity to present them with this information on this issue. This is how we utilize this organization to disseminate the information to the communities.
As you may have noticed, the time for question period has expired. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you. I just want to return to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery, and I would like to ask for unanimous consent to do so.
The member would like to go back to Item 5, Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery.
I didn’t hear any nays. Please proceed, Mr. Mike.
I appreciate this opportunity as I want to acknowledge a fellow community resident in the gallery, Lazarusie Ishulutak, who is in the gallery visiting from my community and he is also a hunter. I wanted him to be recognized in the House.
Please feel welcome in the gallery.