EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
Question 293 – 4(3): Senior Fuel Subsidy (Joanasie)
I would like to ask another question to the Acting Minister of Family Services based on a return to oral question regarding the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
I had asked a question about the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
In the minister’s response, it states that the funding for this program is not fully spent, yet we know that on December 29, 2015, they increased the funding for the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
I would first like to ask why the elders who receive income support from the Department of Family Services or (interpretation ends) social assistance (interpretation) are not eligible for this fuel subsidy.
What is the basis for making them ineligible? That’s my first question.
Yes, that is a very good question on this matter related to the senior fuel subsidy, particularly heating fuel assistance.
Elders who are on income support is something I will have to carefully research. Actually, what I am trying to say is that I will look into your question.
The income support workers or social workers in the communities are responsible for income support.
We appreciate the increase for the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program. I believe the subsidy is up to 3,500 litres in total.
I would like to ask: if they’re income support recipients and their fuel is depleted in the wintertime, will they be eligible for support in emergency cases through this program?
Speaker (interpretation): Mr. Joanasie, I’m not the Chairman; I’m the Speaker.
During emergency cases, I’m sure that they can discuss it, but I cannot tell you exactly what is the case.
I apologize. I will have to look into the member’s question regarding emergency cases and income support.
I will have to look at the procedures to see how this is dealt with.
I apologize for not addressing you properly.
Mr. Speaker, I have been advised by many seniors who are not eligible for the senior fuel subsidy.
Perhaps their salary was above the cap or it may have been for other various reasons, according to the Department of Family Services’ policy.
I would like to ask if the minister could commit to reviewing the eligibility criteria for this policy. Can there be a review of the criteria to make sure the majority of elders or seniors are eligible for the senior fuel subsidy?
I would like to state that 108 Nunavummiut received the senior fuel subsidy as of December 31, 2015.
As I stated in the House previously, the department is now reviewing the Income Assistance Program and Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
Once the review is completed, we will be able to respond as to how they will be set up.
Question 294 – 4(3): Senior Fuel Subsidy (Mikkungwak)
My colleague for Baffin had asked a question to the Acting Minister of Family Services with regard to the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program.
I, too, have a question on this issue and I would like to get clarification.
It is obvious that some Bake Lake elders have received subsidies under this program, but the subsidy they receive for heating fuel seems to continually miss the coldest months.
In reading the letter, it falls short of meeting this need.
I first want to ask if the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program has a limit imposed by the department. Do the amounts have a cap?
In 2015, the Department of Family Services increased the amount of the subsidy to 3,500 litres for Nunavummiut who receive the subsidy.
This increase was a result of past studies, but this will allow us to ascertain if this increase is sufficient or falls short of the needs. This increase was just implemented last year.
I understand the minister’s response. However, since the expenditure is smaller than the actual budget, what will you do with the remaining budget?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The Hon. Acting Minister of Family Services, Mr. Mike.
My colleague, Mr. Joanasie, was asking a question with regard to this issue.
The department is now reviewing the subsidy.
I can only say that we are doing the review for this program in order to ensure it will be adequate for Nunavummiut.
Since there is going to be a review of this program, as some elders are not eligible, can the minister clarify how old you have to be and if you need to be a homeowner to be eligible for the Senior Fuel Subsidy Program?
This is a subsidy program for seniors. Let’s be clear on that. We call it a subsidy.
If they are Nunavut residents who are 60 years of age or older, they can apply to this program. If they are homeowners and reside in the home, as long as they aren’t receiving income support, the salary cap is $100,000.
If you make over $100,000, then you are not eligible for the subsidy.
Oral Questions. I have no more names on my list.
Written Question 007 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Responses to the Resolutions Adopted at the 2014 and 2015 Annual General Meetings of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (Angnakak)
My written questions today are for the Minister of Community and Government Services and they concern the Government of Nunavut’s responses to the resolutions adopted at the 2014 and 2015 annual general meetings of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.
What were the Government of Nunavut’s responses to the resolutions adopted at the 2014 and 2015 annual general meetings of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities?
Speaker: The member has asked that the written question be entered into the record as read.
Written Question 008 – 4(3): Government of Nunavut Presentation to the Canada Transportation Act Review (Mikkungwak)
My written questions today are for the Minister of Economic Development and Transportation and they concern the Government of Nunavut’s presentation to the Canada Transportation Act review.
On February 25, 2016, the Canada Transportation Act Review Report was tabled in Parliament by the federal Minister of Transport.
On page 61 of volume 1 of the final report, it is stated that the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation made a presentation to the Canada Transportation Act review on June 23, 2015.
Who appeared on behalf of the Department of Economic Development and Transportation at its June 23, 2015 presentation to the Canada Transportation Act review?
Where did the presentation take place?
What were the specific contents of the presentation?
What is the timetable for tabling a copy of the presentation in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut?
At which URL can a downloadable electronic version of the presentation be located?
What other presentations and/or submissions did the Department of Economic Development and Transportation make to the Canada Transportation Act review?
What formal recommendations did the Department of Economic Development and Transportation make to the Canada Transportation Act review?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Written Questions. Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Paul Okalik.
Written Question 009 – 4(3): Economic Activity, Tax Revenues, and Tax Rebates (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) My written questions today are for the Minister of Finance and they concern economic activity, tax revenues, and tax rebates.
A development partnership agreement between the Government of Nunavut and the Meadowbank Mining Corporation concerning the operation of the Meadowbank mine was signed on February 17, 2007.
A copy of the development partnership agreement was subsequently tabled in the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut on March 12, 2008.
The Meadowbank Mining Corporation changed its name to Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. in 2013.
The Government of Nunavut’s publication, Budget 2016-2017 - Fiscal and Economic Indicators, indicates that “It is important to note that mining firms themselves do not pay much income tax in the short term, as Canadian law provides significant flexibility in terms of when and where mining companies pay taxes.
However, if the sector continues to develop, we expect that the Nunavut-based firms catering to the mining sector (construction, logistics, transportation, etc.) will generate profit and thus raise tax revenues.”
The Government of Nunavut’s publication, Budget 2016-2017 - Fiscal and Economic Indicators, also indicates that the territory’s Nominal Gross Domestic Product in 2015 was calculated at $2,628,000,000.
Real Gross Domestic Product was calculated at $2,068,000,000.
On page III-4 of the “Environmental Scan” section of the Government of Nunavut’s 2016-19 business plan, it is stated that “The gold production of the Meadowbank mine represents about a fifth of Nunavut’s GDP.”
What was the Government of Nunavut’s methodology for calculating the value that is cited on page III-4 of the “Environmental Scan” section of the Government of Nunavut’s 2016-19 business plan concerning the Meadowbank mine’s share of Nunavut’s Gross Domestic Product?
For each of the following fiscal years, but without identifying specific companies, how much corporate income tax revenue was generated by the Government of Nunavut in relation to the operation of the Meadowbank mine?
For each of the following fiscal years, but without identifying individual tax filers, how much personal income tax revenue was generated by the Government of Nunavut in relation to the operation of the Meadowbank mine?
For each of the following fiscal years, but without identifying individual tax filers, how much payroll tax revenue was generated by the Government of Nunavut in relation to the operation of the Meadowbank mine?
For each of the following fiscal years, but without identifying specific companies, how much fuel tax revenue was generated by the Government of Nunavut in relation to the operation of the Meadowbank mine?
For each of the following fiscal years, but without identifying specific companies, what was the value of all rebates paid to companies by the Government of Nunavut under its Fuel Tax Rebate Program in relation to the operation of the Meadowbank mine?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Written Questions. (interpretation) Member for Rankin Inlet, Mr. Alexander Sammurtok.
Written Question 010 – 4(3): Annual Fuel Purchases by the Government of Nunavut (Sammurtok)
My written questions today are for the Minister of Community and Government Services and they concern annual fuel purchases by the Government of Nunavut.
Expressing the information in the same format as that which the Government of Nunavut provided in Return to Written Question 10 – 4(2), what quantities of fuel were purchased and delivered during the 2015 calendar year?
As of March 1, 2016, what is the current bulk fuel storage capacity in each of Nunavut’s communities?
Which communities in Nunavut received fuel deliveries by airlift during the 2015 calendar year?
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Written Questions. The Hon. Member for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet, Mr. Tom Sammurtok.
Written Question 011 – 4(3): Services and Benefits for Out-of-Territory Dialysis Patients (Sammurtok, T)
My written questions today are for the Minister of Health and they concern services and benefits for out-of-territory dialysis patients.
How many Nunavut residents underwent dialysis treatment outside of the territory during the 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, and 2015-16 (to date) fiscal years?
Broken down by fiscal year (2011-12 to 2015-16 (to date)) and health care facility, where did the residents undergo dialysis treatment?
Broken down by fiscal year (2011-12 to 2015-16 (to date)), what is the average length of stay outside of the territory for a resident undergoing dialysis treatment?
Broken down by fiscal year (2011-12 to 2015-16 (to date)), what expenditures have been incurred by the Government of Nunavut in respect to providing dialysis treatment for residents?
Broken down by fiscal year (2011-12 to 2015-16 (to date)) and health care facility, how many Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment were accompanied by a Client Escort within the meaning of the Department of Health’s Medical Travel Policy?
What specific allowances and/or benefits for accommodation, local transportation, daily living, and personal expenses are provided to Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory?
What specific allowances and/or benefits for accommodation, local transportation, daily living, and personal expenses are provided to client escorts accompanying Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory?
What specific entitlements do Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory receive for periodic home visitation travel to their communities of residence in Nunavut?
What specific entitlements do Nunavut residents undergoing dialysis treatment at health care facilities outside of the territory receive in respect to visits from immediate members of their families (spouses/partners, children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and grandchildren)?
With respect to the allowances, benefits, and entitlements referred to in questions 6, 7, 8, and 9, what differences, if any, exist in respect to allowances, benefits, and entitlements provided to beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and allowances, benefits, and entitlements provided to non-beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement?
Tabled Document 115 – 4(3): Correspondence from the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization (Enook)
I wish to table a copy of correspondence that I have recently received from the Mittimatalik Hunters and Trappers Organization.
Tabled Document 116 – 4(3): Petition – Kimmirut to Keewatin Air (Joanasie)
I am pleased to table today a copy of a petition that has been signed by close to 150 residents of Kimmirut.
My constituents have requested Keewatin Air to introduce scheduled passenger air service to the community.
Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful that Keewatin Air will respond positively to this request.
Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Justice, Mr. Peterson.
Tabled Document 117 – 4(3): Department of Justice 2014 Minimum Wage Rate Annual Report (Peterson)
Tabled Document 118 – 4(3): Nunavut Law Foundation Annual Report December 31, 2014 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 119 – 4(3): Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board Annual Report 2014-2015 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 120 – 4(3): FPT Ministers of Justice and Public Safety January 21, 2016 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 121 – 4(3): Family Abuse Intervention Act Annual Report 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 (Peterson)
Tabled Document 122 – 4(3): Nunavut Victims Services Annual Report 2014-2015 (Peterson)
I several documents that I’m going to table. Please bear with me.
Mr. Speaker, I’m tabling the Department of Justice’s 2014 Minimum Wage Rate Annual Report.
I’m also tabling the Nunavut Law Foundation’s Annual Report for the year ending December 31, 2014.
I’m tabling the Nunavut Liquor Licensing Board 2014-15 Annual Report.
I’m tabling the FPT Ministers of Justice and Public Safety Report for January 21, 2016 in Quebec City, Quebec.
I’m tabling the 2013-14 and 2014-15 Family Abuse Intervention Act annual reports.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I’m tabling the 2014-15 Annual Report for Nunavut Victim Services.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Tabling of Documents. The Hon. Minister of the Nunavut Housing Corporation, Mr. Hickes.
Tabled Document 123 – 4(3): NHC Contracting and Procurement Activity Report March 31, 2014 (Hickes)
Tabled Document 124 – 4(3): NHC Contracting and Procurement Activity Report March 31, 2015 (Hickes)
I am pleased to table the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the period ending March 31, 2014 and the Contracting and Procurement Activity Report for the period ending March 31, 2015.
The Hon. Acting Minister of Family Services, Mr. Mike.
Tabled Document 125 – 4(3): Director of Child and Family Services Annual Report 2014-2015 (Mike)
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Director of Child and Family Services Annual Report for 2014-15. (interpretation) Thank you.
The Hon. Minister responsible for Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Taptuna.
Tabled Document 126 – 4(3): Summary Report on Phase 1 of an Operational Audit of Government of Nunavut Programs, October 2015 (Taptuna)
I am pleased to table the Summary Report on Phase 1 of an Operational Audit of Government of Nunavut Programs, October 2015.
The Hon. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Mr. Hickes.
Tabled Document 127 – 4(3): QEC Annual Report 2014-2015 (Hickes)
I am pleased to table the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s 14th Annual Report for the period of 2014-15.
Hon. Member for Iqaluit-Sinaa, Mr. Okalik.
Tabled Document 128 – 4(3): Correspondence to NTI Vice-president James Eetoolook (Okalik)
Mr. Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I wish to table today a copy of correspondence that I have sent to the Vice-president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Mr. James Eetoolook.
Mr. Speaker, my correspondence, which I have prepared in both Inuktitut and English, concerns the issue of the Government of Nunavut’s obligation to consult Inuit under Article 32 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in relation to the issue of allowing retail sales of alcohol in the territory.
Mr. Speaker, I will be tabling Vice-president Eetoolook’s reply in the spring sitting. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Tabled Document 129 – 4(3): Outstanding Statutory Tabling Requirements (Speaker)
This list is current as of the end of the March 16, 2016 sitting of the Legislative Assembly. (interpretation) Thank you.
(interpretation ends) Tabling of Documents. (interpretation) I have no more names on my list.
Members, we will take a break and report back to the Chamber at 1:30 p.m.
>>House recessed at 11:56 and resumed at 13:29
Motion 023 – 4(3): Addressing the Needs of Elders (Angnakak)
WHEREAS the Government of Nunavut’s most recent Elders Program Strategy was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on March 3, 2011;
AND WHEREAS an updated and comprehensive strategy and action plan to address the needs of Nunavut’s elders is urgently required;
AND WHEREAS concerns have been identified that the Government of Nunavut’s current approach to addressing the needs of Nunavut’s elders is fragmented and not sufficiently coordinated;
AND WHEREAS the Government of Nunavut’s report, Continuing Care in Nunavut, 2015 to 2035, has recommended that responsibility for all elders homes be transferred to the Department of Health;
AND WHEREAS the Premier of Nunavut has designated his office as being responsible for seniors’ advocacy;
AND WHEREAS the current business plan of the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs indicates that it now “coordinates matters related to programs and services for Seniors”;
AND WHEREAS Members of the Legislative Assembly recognize and respect Nunavut’s elders as being our territory’s living repositories of the Inuit language, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuit societal values, and Inuit customary law;
AND WHEREAS it is important for the Government of Nunavut to take action to provide more opportunities for elders to actively participate in such areas as family counselling, suicide prevention, and substance abuse;
AND WHEREAS Members of the Legislative Assembly are of the view that far too many elders in today’s society are vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, neglect, and social isolation;
AND WHEREAS services for elders are lacking in such areas as dedicated facilities in their home communities, the provision of client travel escorts during medical travel outside of their home communities, and measures to ensure comfort, security, and dignity in the home;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Quttiktuq, that this House formally urges the Government of Nunavut to develop an updated and comprehensive strategy and action plan to address the needs of Nunavut’s elders, including the thematic areas addressed in this motion;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that this strategy explicitly address the importance of ensuring that core health and social services for elders are delivered in a coordinated manner by a single department that is accountable to the Legislative Assembly for its performance;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that this strategy explicitly address the importance of ensuring that services which are provided to elders, including services provided by entities in the private sector under contract by the Government of Nunavut, are done so in a respectful manner that fully complies with the Inuit Language Protection Act and other authorities;
AND FURTHER I MOVE that the strategy and action plan to address the needs of Nunavut’s elders be tabled in the Legislative Assembly for consideration by all members no later than the first sitting day in the fall of 2016.
As the mover of the motion that is before the House today, I am very honoured to have the opportunity to speak in strong support of its passage.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking my colleagues on both sides of the House for their many thoughtful recommendations, suggestions, and contributions.
The motion is that much stronger for the hard work that many hands have put into it.
Mr. Speaker, I particularly want to thank and acknowledge the Member for Quttiktuq for having seconded this motion.
Mr. Speaker, I have brought forward this motion today in order to encourage our government to develop and bring forward a coordinated strategy to address the needs of elders in Nunavut’s society.
Mr. Speaker, every successful society, group, or organization recognizes the specific strengths of its members.
Every successful society also acknowledges the challenges that face its members. A successful society provides roles and responsibilities to those who have knowledge and expertise and supports those who need assistance in order to thrive and participate.
These activities go hand in hand.
Mr. Speaker, Nunavut’s elders need us and we, as members of Nunavut’s society, need our elders.
We need their knowledge, guidance, and expertise.
They need our respect, support, and commitment.
Mr. Speaker, I have listened as many of my colleagues on both sides of the House have spoken eloquently of the desire of elders in their communities to participate more meaningfully in promoting a healthy, vibrant, and harmonious Nunavut.
Elders are the primary source of knowledge in the areas of culture, language, and tradition and they are the keepers of specific skills that our integral to our collective identity, such as techniques for sewing and hunting.
Elders can and should play a valuable role in providing guidance and counselling with respect to family relationships or alternative approaches to addressing such harmful behaviours as suicide, substance abuse, and violence.
Mr. Speaker, in order to be able to play these important roles, our elders must first be safe, secure, and comfortable.
We hear all too often of situations of abuse, neglect, or financial insecurity.
Mr. Speaker, it is painfully clear that there are many challenges that prevent our elders from living comfortably and with dignity.
There are too few elder-designated housing units and there are too few beds in elders’ homes or continuing care facilities.
There are very limited services for such programs as assisted living, rehabilitation, and dementia care.
As a result, too many of our elders are sent away from their homes, their communities, and their families to receive the care that is not available at home.
This leads to isolation and loss of communication.
Mr. Speaker, that loss of communication deprives all of us of the opportunity to be a healthy and complete society.
Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge that there are a number of programs currently available to Nunavut’s elders.
However, they are delivered piecemeal, by different departments, under different divisions, with a different set of phases at every stop. This fragmentation needs to stop.
Mr. Speaker, we need a comprehensive, coordinated, and cohesive strategy to ensure that our elders can access the services they require that will enable and empower them to continue being full members of Nunavut’s society.