EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As I said, pharmaceuticals for NIHB are federal and it’s their responsibility.
Whether it’s generic or not, it’s up to NIHB to determine what will be covered by the program. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Again, I’m no expert in this area, but I have heard that sometimes generic drugs are provided, but they might be billed at the brand-name level or however you say it.
I’m just wondering: has anything ever been communicated to you by either NIHB or anybody at all about this?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) From what I understand, NIHB audits all the drugs on the list and makes sure that they are being billed properly. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Minister, and staff.
In your business plan on page 115, second last bullet, it says, “To build health care service capacity in Nunavut and ensure access to high quality clinical services to all Nunavummiut.”
I’m just wondering what that means.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) As I stated earlier and in my opening comments, we are putting in place three PYs to assist us in managing and monitoring health care throughout Nunavut.
If there are any shortcomings or gaps anywhere in our territory, we will be addressing them and we will be monitoring all our facilities through this office.
I hope that we can pass this budget so that we can get more controls in place for our clients throughout the territory. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I came in late last week, but can you tell us how many transient nurses you have in all of Nunavut and how many you have living in the communities, such as are they renting a house?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We don’t have an up-to-date list on all the agency nurses in the territory today.
I can say that we’re doing okay in Iqaluit in terms of long-term nurses, but in the Kitikmeot, we are struggling.
We have far too many agency nurses in the Kitikmeot currently, so we look forward to addressing that.
I’m still waiting for nursing students from the Kitikmeot.
If you could help me there, I would greatly appreciate it too.
We’re looking for local nurses and to train them ourselves.
That’s where we’re at currently. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Does that mean that there is no incentive to stay in the community or is there anything like that?
Do you want to keep nurses in the community as opposed to only four weeks at a time?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) We do have various incentive programs in place for our nurses. We have bonuses in place.
I look at the statistics from a month ago.
For example, the vacancy rate in the Baffin is at 58 percent for nursing, 34 percent in Iqaluit, 87 percent in the Kitikmeot, and 42 percent in the Kivalliq.
We need some help in recruiting more nursing in the Kitikmeot in particular right now. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Using my authority as the Chair, perhaps I can ask the minister to table the statistics at some point so that those numbers will be available to all Nunavummiut as to how many permanent nurses and agency nurses there are in the communities.
Will you be able to provide those numbers? Minister Okalik.
Yes, we can provide them once we have the numbers available.
These are the numbers that we have available right now on the vacancies.
We use agency nurses or contract nurses from outside of Nunavut.
We especially use them over in that region.
That’s where we stand right now. It’s obvious that we need to work on it more.
We will expect those statistics for all the communities.
Mr. Mapsalak, you’re next.
Perhaps I can talk about boarding homes on page H-6.
Please tell me if this is the appropriate page, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Are you asking me?
Yes, go ahead and ask your question. Mr. Mapsalak.
I had asked this question before, perhaps last year, when we had the witnesses and one of his officials here.
In Churchill, Manitoba, are they still using the medical boarding home?
The boarding home is temporarily used; it is not used full time. It is mainly for Nunavummiut who go there for dental services.
He said that it is not used full time.
How much money is spent for operations and maintenance and the staff that need to be paid in that facility?
Can he give us those numbers?
Looking at last year’s figures, it was around $1,168,000.
The federal government repaid us $914,000 and we paid $253,000.
With that being the case, $200,000 is quite a bit of money.
You said that it is not used full time. Is it not going to be used anymore? Not many people go there other than for dental services.
Yes, because it’s there and it’s convenient, that’s why we still use it today. The facility is already there.
We’re always looking for more appropriate ways of making use of that money and we will keep looking into that.
Moving on. We are on page H-6.
With respect to the Department of Health, their operational funds are over budget.
As most of us know, there are always people dealing with health issues in the communities. Irrespective of whether it is a small or large community, some residents deal with health issues.
Now, I will use this example of a patient who is a unilingual Inuk with no English-speaking ability and the nurse informs the patient that due to lack of space during the weekend, they will need to return once the weekend is over.
If that patient can’t speak in English, what options do they have?
Last year, we approved the interpreter clerks to become full-time employees, so we have interpreters in health care facilities.
They’re supposed to be on 24-hour call in case a unilingual patient goes there after hours.
In some cases, interpreters aren’t available after hours. Although an interpreter is available during the day, there are no interpreters available after hours. If that is the case, a unilingual Inuktitut-speaking person can’t communicate in English.
I return to the example where the person isn’t able to be seen immediately.
What can that person do if they are told to return later?
I am asking the Minister of Health.
We have a policy in place that we use Nunavut-wide for having an interpreter for all patients, even if it is after hours.
Mr. Qirngnuq (interpretation): Thank you.
All patients need to understand what’s going on.
The nurses will tell the patient if they need to make an appointment.
There are department heads in the regions that look after that.
If a complaint is made to the department head in a region and they refuse the complaint, where does the patient go?
Actually through meetings, we will ask for presentations from the complaints office. Furthermore, I have asked members to forward complaints to me and when I am apprised of one, I usually deal with it.
I am always grateful when information is provided to me, as it shows problems operationally in your communities and I want this to continue, as it provides direction on what needs improvement.
Chairman (interpretation): Do you have any more questions? Mr. Qirngnuq.
The first question that I have to the Minister of Health is under the business plan on page 118, second bullet at the top, (interpretation ends) “Proceed with the legislative process to propose amendments to the Medical Profession Act.” In your business plan 2016-19, you’re proposing amendments. What amendments are you considering?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) For the third time during my appearance, I repeat once again that we are trying to cover those professions that aren’t currently covered by legislation to make sure they’re regulated.
Maybe I should say this in French this time.
These are occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, chiropractors, pharmacy technicians, dental technicians, and dental technologists that will be covered by this legislation. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Qujannamiik, Minister, for volunteering to say it for the third time.
However, some of the foundational policies and procedures exist for them, but some communities don’t have the complete policy and procedural resources. As Nunavummiut, we have to be cognizant of some of the items mentioned earlier as some communities don’t have that information.
With that being the case, I would like clarification since it was stated that documents will be sent out, which will be beneficial to the communities, to ensure our residents have healthy lifestyles. That seems to be the purpose of the Department of Health.
What about your operational requirements?
That seems obvious when it comes to some communities and when the positions you referenced are not available. What is the case for these communities? Will these issues be reconsidered when reviewing the legislation?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): As per my earlier statements, this process is just commencing and these two items are our focus.
After these two issues are completed, we will turn to that consideration.
Currently, we haven’t made concrete plans to that effect. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, his response is understandable. Nonetheless, in the communities, not all communication is possible in Inuktitut as some of us are bilingual. However, some people want to understand, which is why I am asking about this matter so that it will be clear to them.
I will use Baker Lake as an example. The nurses rotate with replacements arriving to replace the nurses, with specialists as well, such as bone specialists or dermatologists, including nurses that stay for a while, as there are different reasons for the arrivals and it’s obvious that those reasons are valid.
For the other cases related to physiotherapy, for example, a patient who underwent surgery requires exercises and physiotherapy. Has this already been reviewed? It seems obvious that with more specialists visiting the communities, that benefit would accrue to the communities.
Are you looking at more specialists’ visits?
Perhaps the (interpretation ends) hon. minister (interpretation) understood the question, but I would ask you if you are trying to ask for clarification since you referenced legislation at first.
Was your question related to creating these positions or if they are available, you feel improvements would be made?
Minister Okalik, if you understood the question.
Again, the legislation has to be completed as the process is just starting up, so we can’t answer them immediately without more work.
However, with respect to the training courses in Baker Lake, they will have a big benefit as physiotherapy is used for physically disabled people or patients healing from surgery.
It is clear that once these six positions are located in Baker Lake, they will be providing that service.
We are on page H-6. Mr. Rumbolt. (interpretation ends) No? (interpretation) We are on Health.
Health Care Service Delivery. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $289,562,000.
Go back to H-3.
It reads, Department Summary. Health. Detail of Expenditures.
Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $338,217,000.
Are we in agreement that we have concluded the review of the main estimates for the Department of Health?
Mr. Minister, if you have any closing remarks, you now have the opportunity to make them.
Thank you to my colleagues. I also thank you for the comments and questions. I appreciate them.
You have given me due direction. I’m glad that you were able to approve this. I hope that it will take us to a better place.
Meanwhile, the Department of Community and Government Services will be the next department and we will take a five-minute break as they are setting up.
>>Committee recessed at 16:32 and resumed at 16:40
Bill 13 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2016-2017 – Community and Government Services – Consideration in Committee
Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Welcome back, MLAs/maligaliuqtiit. We’re dealing with Community and Government Services.
Branch Summary. Page J-4.
Hon. Joe Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Yes, I would. Thank you.
Thank you. For the record, Minister, please introduce your officials.
To my right, I have Deputy Minister Lori Kimball and to my left is Christian Stumpf. He’s the director of financial services.
Chairman: Thank you. Proceed with your opening comments, Minister Savikataaq.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to appear before you today to review the Department of Community and Government Services’ 2016-17 main estimates and business plan.
When the Petroleum Products Division Revolving Fund and the management oversight of GN infrastructure projects valued at about $200 million per year is included, CG&S is responsible for an overall annual budget of approximately $656 million with 411 positions.
Our projected budget includes a net increase of $8.2 million over last year’s main estimates.
The Petroleum Products Division continues to manage the fuel provision mandate for the GN. As a direct result of efforts made by my department’s use of the early purchase of petroleum products in the face of volatile global fuel prices, we have been able to reduce the price of diesel and gasoline by 10 cents per litre effective January 1, 2016.
CG&S is undertaking a comprehensive program review of the municipal funding and water and sewer programs to ensure the stability of the funding for these two programs.
The review is expected to be completed in the fiscal year 2016-17.
MTO has been providing much-needed training for municipal employees for over ten years now.
The training provided by MTO allows municipal employees to gain skills and assist them in delivering services to residents with training costs that are low and affordable to municipalities.
Our Sport and Recreation Division is finalizing its support activities for Team Nunavut’s participation at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games, which will be hosted in Nuuk, Greenland.
The department is undertaking the development of the regulations, which are expected to be completed by fiscal year-end.
Our Property and Asset Management Division continues to pursue process improvements to ensure that the GN’s preventative maintenance and lifecycle renewal initiatives will support higher performing and longer lasting buildings.
We are currently undertaking a program review to update our maintenance management standards and to examine gaps in existing delivery standards, which will be completed in fiscal year 2016-17.
Our Energy Management Pilot Project in Iqaluit has been completed and we are currently in the measurement and verification stage.
First year data does show energy savings and we have now received funding from our federal partners to expand the energy management project in the Kivalliq region.
These initiatives include energy-efficient lighting products, occupancy sensors, building controls, and solar panels among other initiatives.
Mr. Chairman, CGS continues to invest in government operations by increasing funding to support our IT infrastructure.
The number of people on the government network continues to expand due to decentralization and other factors.
In addition, the number and types of devices that users need to work and communicate continues to increase and evolve with new technology.
CGS is committed and continues to strive to improve telecommunications for the government as a whole. This commitment has allowed the government to build a telecommunication infrastructure capable of managing over three times the amount of bandwidth to improve program and service delivery.
With forward-thinking and new technologies, CGS will be ready to deliver a new network to provide even better government services to Nunavummiut.
We continue to train community SAR organizations, hamlets, and individuals in assisting the RCMP and military in responding to searches.
In 2015, there were 251 searches, 82 of which were triggered by SPOT devices.
The Territorial Emergency Plan, along with the Department of Community and Government Services emergency plans, has been completed and will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly this year.
The department has also completed a guidance document to assist others in developing their own emergency plans.
CGS is a service-based department and we strive to improve our service to all our clients. We will work collaboratively with all departments and our municipal government partners to meet the goals of Sivumut Abluqta as we step forward together in building Nunavut.
I would now be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to provide opening comments on behalf of the Standing Committee on Community and Economic Development on its review of the proposed 2016-17 Main Estimates and 2016-19 Business Plan of the Department of Community and Government Services.
The standing committee notes that the department’s proposed 2016-17 operations and maintenance budget of $239,143,000 has increased by approximately 3.5 percent since the introduction of the department’s 2015-16 main estimates. The number of positions in the department is 411. This is an increase of 36 positions from the 2015-16 main estimates.
Amendments to the Consumer Protection Act concerning prohibited debt collection practices were passed by the Legislative Assembly in 2012.
The department’s 2015-18 business plan indicated that a draft legislative proposal to introduce amendments to the Consumer Protection Act had been completed.
However, the standing committee notes that a number of the department’s policies, including its Water and Sewage Services Subsidy Policy and its Municipal Mobile Equipment Policy, have expired.
However, the 2014-15 annual report under this section of the legislation has not yet been tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Mr. Chairman, the Department of Community and Government Services is responsible for the administration of the government’s Community Search and Rescue Organization Support Policy and the Community-Based Search and Rescue Contributions Policy.
However, the standing committee notes that both of these policies expired.
The standing committee also notes that the department’s proposed 2016-17 budget of $500,000 for contributions to community search and rescue organizations has not changed in over a decade.
The standing committee encourages the department to review the adequacy of this amount.
On May 9 of 2014, the department issued a request for proposals titled “Asset Management Program Review.”
The standing committee continues to encourage the minister to table a copy of its new facilities inventory and condition ratings report in the Legislative Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
On February 28 of 2014, the department issued a Request for Information for Potential Planning for Solid Waste Management Methods for Nunavut Territory.
The RFI closed on March 28 of 2014.
Testimony provided to the House on May 30, 2014 during the Committee of the Whole’s consideration of the department’s 2014-15 main estimates indicated that a final report on this initiative had been provided and that the department was in the process of evaluating that report.
One of the department’s ongoing priorities has been to “Develop strategies to address upgrades to core municipal infrastructure (water, wastewater, and solid waste) to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and municipal water licenses.”
The department’s draft 2016-19 business plan indicates that it has “established a Water Compliance Working Group, tasked with developing a work plan to address the short, medium, and long term goals for solid waste management in Nunavut, to ensure that the conditions of municipal water licenses are met.”
One of the department’s goals for the 2015-16 fiscal year was to “Propose appropriate effluent quality standards for Nunavut to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment.”
The department’s draft 2016-19 business plan indicates that “Environment Canada recognizes that research is ongoing in Nunavut and that this research is critical for developing appropriate wastewater regulations…There is no defined timeline for establishing Northern Wastewater Regulations.”
The standing committee encourages the minister to update the Legislative Assembly on a regular basis concerning the status of these initiatives.
The department’s draft 2016-19 business plan indicates that one of its priorities is to “continue to work on development of draft regulations for the…Building Code Act.”
These sections provide for the establishment of a Nunavut Building Advisory Committee. A number of individuals were appointed to this committee in March of 2014.
The standing committee continues to recommend that the minister begin the practice of tabling an annual report in the Legislative Assembly on the administration of the Building Code Act and the activities of the Nunavut Building Advisory Committee.
Mr. Chairman, in April of 2014, Members of the Legislative Assembly held televised hearings on the Report of the Auditor General of Canada on Safety of Schools and Childcare Facilities in Nunavut. The Department of Community and Government Services has previously indicated that it would “Work with the Department of Education to finalize and implement the Fire Safety Planning Guidelines for School Facilities” and “Begin to develop an implementation plan to broaden the Fire Safety Planning Guidelines to include other facilities in other departments.”
The department’s 2015-18 business plan indicated that “Fire Safety Guidelines for School Facilities have been developed and will be implemented in the new fiscal year.”
The standing committee continues to encourage the minister to table these guidelines in the Legislative Assembly.
The department’s draft 2016-17 main estimates indicate that the department plans to expand its Informatics Planning and Services Division by adding 21 new positions and increasing its budget by $2,594,000.
Although the standing committee supports reducing dependence on external consultants for the provision of essential services in the areas of information technology and telecommunications, a detailed substantiation for these positions is required.
Mr. Chairman, that concludes my opening comments on the proposed 2016-17 Main Estimates and 2016-19 Business Plan for the Department of Community and Government Services.
The floor is now open for general comments. I want to remind members that the contents of the minister’s opening comments are covered in the different branches of the department.
If you have detailed questions, please ask them under the proper branches.
We will now proceed to the page-by-page review of the departmental estimates starting on page J-4.
Good afternoon, Minister and your officials.
Since Ms. Kimball has been with the Nunavut Housing Corporation for such a long time, I still expect to see her with the housing corporation when I look at her down there at the witness table.
Mr. Minister, in your opening comments on page 3, I just want to get clarification, although it’s not explained in there. I’ll try to translate the second paragraph. “CG&S is undertaking a comprehensive program review of the municipal funding and water and sewer programs.”
Can you explain further what you’re going to be reviewing for those programs?
The program review is being done to make sure that it is run efficiently and properly and to make sure that the hamlets or the municipalities aren’t overburdened that they have to go into debt in order to deliver the water and sewer program.
There is a need to review them because there has been no review or increases in some of the municipalities since 1996 and we all know that the price of everything has gone up substantially since then.
We just want to make sure that this program is run efficiently for the government’s sake and also for the municipalities’ sake.
The GN is here to help the municipalities to make sure that it’s run well so that the municipalities don’t suffer either in providing essential services of water and sewer.