EdinburghNLP/nunavut-hansard-plusplus huggingface dataset:
As the minister is also aware, his department provides funding for mine training through the Nunavut Mine Training Program Fund.
The Department of Economic Development and [Transportation’s] 2014-17 business plan indicates that $200,000 has been allocated to the training program.
Can the minister indicate how his department allocates resources under the Nunavut Mine Training Program Fund?
Hon. George Kuksuk (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say “good day” to my fellow residents of Nunavut, as well as Arviat and Whale Cove. That’s a good question, Mr. Speaker.
Training to become drillers has been going on for the past three years now. We fund it. Different organizations are involved in deciding how the training money is going to be used.
I would like clarification as to what his question was. I didn’t quite understand all of what he said, Mr. Speaker.
The minister is asking for a clarification. Can you clarify your question, please, Mr. Savikataaq.
I asked the minister: can the minister indicate how his department allocates resources under the Nunavut Mine Training Program Fund?
As I stated previously, the funding is used by my department so that it can be used for different mine training programs, including the drilling training program. We know that the people of Nunavut will be looking for work and different organizations and government departments are looking into what trades can be created. Also, after you receive the training, we provide job placement assistance.
As the minister is aware, his department’s Mineral Exploration and Mining Strategy was tabled on March 14, 2007.
This document indicates that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation would be implementing the multi-party Nunavut Mine Training Initiative.
Since the strategy’s publication, there has been no public report on the initiative’s activities.
Will the minister commit to tabling a report on the status of the Nunavut Mine Training Initiative?
That’s a good question posed by the Member of the Legislative Assembly. The mine training programs, such as the drilling training program, are handled by different groups, but they are administered by our department.
It trains drillers and driller assistants. We want to plan it so that it can continue throughout Nunavut. It involves different trades associated with the mining industry, including the drilling training program.
As the minister will recall, earlier today, I recognized seven individuals from our community who recently completed mine-related training.
The minister just recently alluded to this, but can the minister describe what mine-related training his department is planning for Nunavummiut in the 2014-15 fiscal year?
Mr. Speaker, the mine training programs are intended for people who are interested in working in mines as fully trained workers.
Mr. Speaker, the training can be held for many different disciplines, not just for drilling.
There are many disciplines that can be taught in mining and it can be for any mine anywhere. We will talk with the mining companies and the prospective workers to make sure that the training goes ahead properly.
It will be for different types of trades.
Question 140 – 4(2): Homeownership Programs (Sammurtok)
(interpretation ends) Earlier this year, the Legislative Assembly approved over $4.6 million in funding for the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s homeownership programs for the 2014-15 fiscal year, including $500,000 for the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program.
Concerns have been raised with me that the Nunavut Housing Corporation may have already spent its 2014-15 budget for this important program and that applications from residents are now being waitlisted.
Can the minister confirm if the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2014-15 budget for the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program has already been spent?
Minister of the housing corporation, Mr. Kuksuk.
I thank my colleague for asking that question about the heating oil tank replacement program funds for private homeowners to replace their old tanks with new ones.
Mr. Speaker, in regard to his question about whether the funds have been depleted, I cannot say right now, but I can look into it to see how much money is left in the tank replacement program.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s information for the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program indicates that its purpose is to “assist Nunavut homeowners to replace heating oil tanks in poor condition or that do not meet current standards.
The program will help homeowners reduce the risk of environmental contamination and the associated costs caused by faulty or substandard heating oil tanks and faulty installations that could cause fuel spills.”
Mr. Speaker, this important program is a good example of an ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the funding levels for the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s different homeownership programs in the upcoming 2015-16 capital estimates so that the Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program receives higher priority?
Mr. Speaker, the whole intention was to help homeowners, and the member is asking whether that can be looked into. I can say that we will be looking not just into the fuel replacement program but the whole program.
The Nunavut Housing Corporation’s 2012-13 annual report, which was tabled in the Legislative Assembly earlier this year, indicated that a total of 213 applications for the Nunavut Housing Corporation’s different homeownership programs were “pending or waitlisted” as of March 31, 2013.
As of today, how many applications are pending or waitlisted?
Mr. Speaker, at the present time, in terms of the numbers, I do not have them at my fingertips, but I can request them from the department as to how many are waitlisted.
Question 141 – 4(2): Support for Baker Lake Hospice Society (Mikkungwak)
(interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, the Martha Taliruq Centre in Baker Lake is run by the local hospice society and provides 24-hour care to those in need. The society receives an annual contribution from the government, but it is clear that the amount is inadequate.
Can the minister indicate how often her officials review the contribution amounts provided to organizations such as the Baker Lake Hospice Society and how often the contribution amount is increased?
I thank the Member for Baker Lake for his question regarding the hospice society.
In terms of the association, the finances are given through contribution agreements.
The Martha Taliruq Centre fills an important need in the community of Baker Lake.
In order to continue offering this service, equipment such as vehicles need to be upgraded, staff need to be paid decent wages, and the rising costs of living in the north must be taken into consideration.
Can the minister clarify what kinds of guidance and support her department provides to Baker Lake’s hospice society to enable them to address the increasing demands related to providing hospice care?
Minister of Family Services, Minister Ugyuk.
They sign contribution agreements into the ongoing operations.
There is a regional office based in Rankin Inlet. Our family services department has excellent staff in Rankin Inlet.
It is over there that they review those contribution agreements before they are given to headquarters in Iqaluit.
That being a society, it isn’t run as a government department by the government, so they have to be basing their information for request correctly and concisely.
Will the minister commit to reviewing the amount of contribution and support provided to the Baker Lake Hospice Society to manage and operate the Martha Taliruq Centre, and give full consideration to increasing the contribution amount at the earliest opportunity?
I thank the hon. member for that question in relation to what our department could do.
Yes, I agree with him that we will need to meet with the regional staff, and then if there are needs to address the issue further, we will do that.
Question 142 – 4(2): Iqaluit Landfill Fire (Hickes)
I’ve got some follow-up questions for the Minister responsible for Community and Government Services regarding the landfill fire here in Iqaluit.
As I’m sure the minister will recall, in one of his responses to me last week, he stated that one of the roles of his department is to provide support and advice to the city to make ensure that the best solution for this current situation is determined.
What alternatives have been considered and is the decision to let it burn the best solution?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) We are working with all the interested stakeholders on this issue, including the City of Iqaluit, along with Environment Canada, and our own departments of Environment and Health.
We are having dialogue on how we can best deal with this issue. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I didn’t hear an answer to my first question. What type of alternatives are being considered?
I am limited to the amount of questions I can ask. I’ll move on and I will request that information from the minister later on what some of those alternatives are.
Mr. Speaker, in my line of questioning last week with the Minister responsible for Environment, he let us know that there was air quality monitoring equipment coming to Iqaluit, along with Health Canada officials.
With Minister Sammurtok’s consultations, as he just stated, with other departments, has he been informed, is that equipment in Iqaluit, along with the Health Canada officials?
I am happy to report that over the weekend, officials from Environment Canada arrived in Iqaluit to assist with the dump fire situation and air quality measurements were taken at 15 locations from the centre of the smoke, plume, and following the plume for four kilometres. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I’m assuming that the minister will share that information when it becomes available.
Mr. Speaker, in his response from May 26, he also stated that in southern Canada, there is sometimes a need to use specialized equipment to deal with situations and fires of this nature, and that it is something his department is looking at as to how they can help the city with this issue.
Can the minister describe some of that specialized equipment and inform us whether equipment of that nature is on its way to Nunavut?
The use of specialized equipment and expert technical support is part of our discussions with the city.
We are, in fact, discussing whether that would be an option that we need to do, to talk to with the city. We are, in fact, looking at using foam.
However, my understanding is that the foam that is used in the event of an aircraft accident is apparently not preferred foam to use.
However, my understanding is that there is a different kind of foam that would be environmentally acceptable to use.
We are looking at all of these options.
Question 143 – 4(2): Consultation with Municipal Leaders (Enook)
Good afternoon, people of Pond Inlet, especially the people of Igloolik. They are in our thoughts as they go through a hard time.
Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Services, and they concern the process by which the government responds to concerns and requests that have been formally raised by municipal leaders in Nunavut.
In March of this year, the annual Baffin Mayors’ Forum was held in Iqaluit.
This important gathering brings together elected municipal leaders to address issues of concern to our region’s communities and constituents.
Can the minister indicate when he will be tabling the government’s formal responses to the motions that were passed at this year’s Baffin Mayors’ Forum, including the motion that was unanimously passed concerning the need for a new heavy equipment training centre in the region?
I have heard the subjects which the hon. member is alluding to, but I don’t have the written material to which he is referring to.
Once we have it, we will address it. Thank you.
The Nunavut Association of Municipalities represents the interests of all 25 municipalities in the territory.
Can the minister indicate when he will be tabling the government’s formal responses to the motions that were passed at the most recent annual general meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities?
In relation to issues created by the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, once we get them, we review all of them and then I have instructed my departmental staff to begin to create replies immediately.
Once I have them, I can bring them forward.
Will the minister commit to tabling in the Legislative Assembly copies of any presentations that he or his department made at the most recent Baffin Mayors’ Forum and annual general meeting of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities?
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What we talked about is already available. They are not confidential, so I will be bringing them forward.
Question 144 – 4(2): QEC Procurement and Contracting (Angnakak)
The most recent ministerial letter of expectation to the Qulliq Energy Corporation instructed the utility to prepare an annual report on its procurement, contracting and leasing activities for tabling in the Legislative Assembly.
However, an annual report has not been tabled in the Legislative Assembly since February of 2011, and that was for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.
When will the minister be tabling QEC’s most recent annual reports on its contracting, procurement and leasing activities?
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, as soon as they are available, I will table them in the House.
They are presently being translated.
One of the issues that were raised in the 2012 report of the Auditor General on the Government of Nunavut’s procurement practices concerned the application of the NNI Policy to the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
At that time, QEC argued that it was exempt from the NNI Policy.
Can the minister indicate whether or not the NNI Policy now applies to QEC’s contracting and procurement activities?
We are in the process of reviewing the contracting and we are part of the review with respect to the NNI Policy.
Last week, QEC announced that it had received approval for a 7.1 percent increase in power rates.
It is important that Nunavummiut have confidence that QEC is leading by example and finding ways to operate as efficiently as possible.
One of the concerns that have been raised with me is the issue of purchasing non-essential vehicles that are not required for reasons of safety or plant operation.
Can the minister indicate if QEC will impose a moratorium on the purchase of non-essential vehicles?
I have been impressed with the new board’s active role in trying to reduce the costs of operations.
Question 145 – 4(2): Hamlets Act (Enook)
As the minister is aware, section 34 of the Hamlets Act provides that elected municipal councils in Nunavut “may, by by-law, provide for the payment” of indemnities and allowances to members of municipal councils.
Mr. Speaker, however, the minister is required under this section of the legislation to approve such by-laws.
Can the minister clearly explain what criteria he and his department use to determine whether or not to approve such a by-law in circumstances where the municipality that has requested it is in a sound financial position?
Within the Hamlets Act, just as long as the hamlets don’t break the law, we can review these, but if anyone contravenes the Hamlets Act, it might cause some delays.
Can the minister confirm how many requests from municipalities under section 34 of the Hamlets Act are currently pending before his department?
With respect to the member’s question, I don’t have the information in front of me, but I will find out from my department and give him a response later on.
Going back to the orders of the day. (interpretation ends) Item 7.
The Hon. Minister, Ms. Ell.
Tabled Document 023 – 4(2): Nunavut Food Strategy Action Plan 2014-2016 (Ell)
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I am pleased to table the Nunavut Food Strategy and Action Plan from 2014 to 2016.
The Hon. Minister Sammurtok.
Tabled Document 024 – 4(2): Contract Activity Report 2012-2013 (Sammurtok)
Tabled Document 025 – 4(2): Procurement Activity Report 2012-2013 (Sammurtok)
Tabled Document 026 – 4(2): Lease Activity Report 2012-2013 (Sammurtok)
Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) I have three documents that I want to table. These are all related; they are procurement reports of my department for fiscal year 2012-13.
Hon. Member, Mr. Enook.
Tabled Document 027 – 4(2): Heavy Equipment Training Centre (Enook)
As members are very much aware, I have been a strong supporter of training opportunities for Nunavummiut to gain skills that will allow them to take advantage of opportunities in the mining sector.
That is why I am very pleased to table today a copy of a resolution that was unanimously passed at this year’s Baffin Mayors’ Forum calling for a heavy equipment training centre to be located in the Baffin.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Item 13. (interpretation) Tabling of Documents. (interpretation ends) I have one.
Tabled Document 028 – 4(2): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period July 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013 (Speaker)
Tabled Document 029 – 4(2): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period October 28, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (Speaker)
Tabled Document 030 – 4(2): Report of Members’ Absences from Sittings of the House and Meetings of Committees and Caucuses for the Period January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014 (Speaker)
I am tabling three reports of members’ absences from sittings of the House and meetings of committees and caucuses for the periods July 1, 2013 to September 30, 2013, October 28, 2013 to December 31, 2013, and January 1, 2014 to March 31, 2014.
The Hon. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie.
Motion 006 – 4(2): Establishment of a Special Committee to Review the Education Act – Notice (Joanasie)
I give notice that on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, I will move the following motion:
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Kugluktuk, that the Legislative Assembly establish a special committee to review the Education Act;
Speaker : Thank you.
Hon. Member for Baker Lake, Mr. Mikkungwak.
Motion 005 – 4(2): Extended Adjournment (Mikkungwak)
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) The motion is in order. To the motion. All those in favour. (interpretation) Thank you. (interpretation ends) Opposed.
Hon. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie.
I would like to get unanimous consent to deal with my motion today.
Motion 006 – 4(2): Establishment of a Special Committee to Review the Education Act (Joanasie)
WHEREAS Nunavut’s current Education Act received Assent on September 18, 2008;
AND WHEREAS section 202 of the Education Act provides that the Legislative Assembly or a committee of the Legislative Assembly shall undertake a review of the statute;
AND WHEREAS the statutorily-required review of the Education Act is to include an examination of the administration and implementation of the Act, the effectiveness of its provisions and the achievement of its objectives;
AND WHEREAS Rule 86 of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly provides that the Legislative Assembly may appoint a Special Committee “for any purpose or to consider any matter referred to it by the Assembly”;
NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the Hon. Member for Kugluktuk, that the Legislative Assembly establish a Special Committee to Review the Education Act;
AND FURTHER I move that the following members be appointed to the special committee: Pat Angnakak, Member for Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu; George Hickes, Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk; Simeon Mikkungwak, Member for Baker Lake; the Hon. Paul Quassa, Member for Aggu; and Joe Savikataaq, Member for Arviat South;
AND FURTHER I move that Alexander Sammurtok, Member for Rankin Inlet South, Isaac Shooyook, Member for Quttiktuq, and the Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk, Member for Netsilik be appointed alternate members of the special committee;
AND FURTHER I move the special committee be directed to report its findings and recommendations to the House during the fall 2015 sitting of the Legislative Assembly.
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Mattes. Bill 2 and Bill 3 with Mr. Akoak in the Chair.
>>House recessed at 14:51 and Committee resumed at 15:26
Good afternoon, Inuit and people watching TV.
We wish to continue with the review of the main estimates for the Department of Finance, followed by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation, Nunavut Arctic College, and, if time permits, the Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Are we in agreement that we continue with the main estimates for the Department of Finance?
Chairman: Is the committee agreed that Minister Peterson’s staff go to the witness table?
Chairman: Sergeant-at-Arms, please allow his staff to go to the witness table.
Minister Peterson, please introduce your staff.
To my right is Deputy Minister Chris D’Arcy and to my left is Andrea Witzaney-Chown, Director of Corporate Policy.
Chairman: Thank you. Before I start the meeting, I have a Chairman’s statement.
Before reviewing the consideration of the 2014-15 main estimates, I wish to make a brief statement concerning Friday’s proceedings of the Committee of the Whole.
During the consideration of the proposed main estimates of the Department of Family Services, the Member of Arviat South was ruled out of order by the Chair when he asked the minister if a given matter a wise use of government funds.
At the time, the Member for Arviat South was advised not to seek an opinion from the minister.
In reviewing the unedited Hansard Blues, it is clear that the question was, in fact, permissible, as it concerned the extent to which the government is receiving value for public money, which is a legitimate line of questioning in the House, especially during the consideration of proposed departmental budgets.
In this case, the minister was not asked to provide either her personal opinion on a matter or a formal legal opinion on a question.
The Chair regrets the error that was made and is pleased to have the opportunity to clarify the record.
As always, however, all members and ministers are asked to phrase their questions and answers as clearly and precisely as possible so that our proceedings may be as smooth as possible.
Members, please turn to page C-7, Comptrollership.
Any questions on page C-7, Comptrollership?
I’m on your business plan, page 23, I see under one of the objectives is talking about the priority hiring policy.
There were recent changes made to the Public Service Act.
Amendments were made. I’m wondering, with those amendments in mind, can you state what the priority hiring policy means? And give us the levels of the priority hires.
What is the government using to hire staff?
I thank Ms. Angnakak for the question. Of course we all know that we are required to abide by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, so a beneficiary under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement would be a priority hire. Of course, if you are an employee on a layoff then you would be a priority hire as well.
In fact, I think you might be a higher priority because you are a government employee, just on layoff notice.
I’d like to ask if there are any provisions for long-term northerners under the Public Service Act?
Hon. Keith Peterson Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Thank you to Ms. Angnakak for her question. Mr. Chair, a long-term northerner would be someone who has been in Nunavut 12 months and they would be third in line for hiring by the Government of Nunavut.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 12 months is a rather short time or period to be in Nunavut to be considered a long-term northerner.
Does that mean we expect people to stay a lot shorter than that? A shorter period of time?
What about women and those with physical disabilities? Where do they stand in the hiring policy?
There is no priority for women and children.
I’ve touched on this before in the House and I want to go back to it.