Nunavut Canada
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NUNAVUT
2nd Session 4th Assembly
HANSARD
Official Report
DAY 42
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Pages 2346 – 2421
Iqaluit
Speaker: The Honourable George Qulaut, M.L.A.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
Speaker Hon. George Qulaut (Amittuq) Tony Akoak Hon. George Kuksuk Allan Rumbolt (Gjoa Haven) (Arviat North-Whale Cove) (Hudson Bay) Deputy Chair, Committee of the Minister of Culture and Heritage; Minister of Whole Languages; Minister responsible for the Nunavut Alexander Sammurtok Housing Corporation (Rankin Inlet South) Pat Angnakak (Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu) Steve Mapsalak Hon. Tom Sammurtok (Aivilik) (Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Hon. Monica Ell Inlet) (Iqaluit-Manirajak) Hon. Johnny Mike Minister of Community and Deputy Premier; Minister of (Pangnirtung) Government Services Economic Development and Minister of Environment Transportation; Minister of Joe Savikataaq Energy Simeon Mikkungwak (Arviat South) (Baker Lake) Isaac Shooyook Joe Enook Deputy Chair, Committee of the Whole (Quttiktuq) (Tununiq) Deputy Speaker and Chair of Hon. Paul Okalik (Iqaluit-Sinaa) Hon. Peter Taptuna the Committee of the Whole (Kugluktuk) Minister of Health; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Labour; Minister responsible for Premier; Minister of Executive and George Hickes Intergovernmental Affairs; Minister (Iqaluit-Tasiluk) Immigration responsible for Aboriginal Affairs;
David Joanasie Hon. Keith Peterson Minister responsible for the Utility (South Baffin) (Cambridge Bay) Rates Review Council Minister of Finance, Chair of the Financial Pauloosie Keyootak Management Board; Minister responsible for the Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (Uqqummiut) Qulliq Energy Corporation; Minister responsible (Netsilik) for the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Minister of Family Services; Commission Minister responsible for Homelessness; Minister responsible Hon. Paul Quassa for the Status of Women (Aggu) Government House Leader; Minister of Education; Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic College Officers Clerk John Quirke
Deputy Clerk Clerk Assistant Law Clerk Sergeant-at-Arms Hansard Production Nancy Tupik Stephen Innuksuk Michael Chandler Simanek Kilabuk Innirvik Support Services
Box 1200 Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Tel (867) 975-5000 Fax (867) 975-5190 Toll-Free (877) 334-7266 Website: www.assembly.nu.ca
Table of Contents
Opening Prayer ...... 2346
Ministers’ Statements ...... 2346
Members’ Statements ...... 2350
Recognition of Visitors in the Gallery ...... 2351
Oral Questions ...... 2352
Tabling of Documents ...... 2368
Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills ...... 2368
Consideration in Committee of the Whole of Bills and Other Matters ...... 2368
Report of the Committee of the Whole ...... 2420
Orders of the Day ...... 2421
A. Daily References
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 ...... 2346
B. Ministers’ Statements
122 – 4(2): Explore Bursary Program (Quassa) ...... 2346
123 – 4(2): Baffin Island Caribou Management (Mike) ...... 2347
124 – 4(2): A University in Nunavut (Quassa)...... 2348
125 – 4(2): Accountability and Transparency (Taptuna) ...... 2348
126 – 4(2): Status of Corrections in Nunavut (Okalik) ...... 2349
C. Members’ Statements
259 – 4(2): Employment Readiness Program (Ugyuk) ...... 2350
260 – 4(2): Exhibit Featuring Carvings by Jayko Ishulutak (Mike) ...... 2351
261 – 4(2): Happy Birthday to Daughter, Nina (Keyootak) ...... 2351
D. Oral Questions
431 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (Hickes) ...... 2352
432 – 4(2): Kimmirut Airport Relocation (Joanasie) ...... 2353
433 – 4(2): Support for Apprentices (Sammurtok) ...... 2355
434 – 4(2): Addressing Mental Health across Nunavut (Angnakak) ...... 2357
435 – 4(2): Review of Harvester Support Programs (Savikataaq) ...... 2358
436 – 4(2): Medical Travel Contracts (Mapsalak) ...... 2360
437 – 4(2): Office of the Fire Marshal (Enook) ...... 2361
438 – 4(2): Coral Harbour’s Municipal Garages (Mapsalak) ...... 2362
439 – 4(2): Building Canada Fund Committee Membership (Hickes) ...... 2364
440 – 4(2): Visitation of Children in Care (Shooyook) ...... 2365
441 – 4(2): Building Canada Fund Priorities (Hickes) ...... 2366
E. Tabling of Documents
116 – 4(2): Public Service Code of Values and Ethics (Peterson) ...... 2368
F. Committee Motions
Committee Motion 002 – 4(2): Invitation to Nunavut Tourism to Appear Before the Standing
Committee on Oversight of Government Operations and Public Accounts (Angnakak) ....2383
G. Bills
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Legislative
Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Act – Notice
...... 2368
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Economic Development
and Transportation – Consideration in Committee ...... 2369
Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Nunavut Arctic College –
Consideration in Committee ...... 2402
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2346
Iqaluit, Nunavut Minister’s Statement 122 – 4(2): Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Explore Bursary Program Members Present: (Quassa) Mr. Tony Akoak, Ms. Pat Angnakak, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Hon. Monica Ell, Mr. Joe Enook, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my George Hickes, Mr. David Joanasie, Mr. colleagues and the people of Nunavut. I Pauloosie Keyootak, Hon. George say “good day” to them. Kuksuk, Mr. Steve Mapsalak, Hon. Johnny Mike, Mr. Simeon Mikkungwak, (interpretation ends) Mr. Speaker, I Hon. Paul Okalik, Hon. Keith Peterson, would like to inform my colleagues of Hon. Paul Quassa, Hon. George Qulaut, the ongoing success of the Explore Mr. Allan Rumbolt, Mr. Alexander Bursary Program in Nunavut. Sammurtok, Hon. Tom Sammurtok, Mr. Joe Savikataaq, Mr. Isaac Shooyook, Explore is a five-week intensive French Hon. Peter Taptuna, Hon. Jeannie language immersion program offered in Ugyuk. the spring or summer throughout Canada. Full-time grade 11, 12, and >>House commenced at 13:32 post-secondary students can apply for this $2,200 bursary. Item 1: Opening Prayer Mr. Speaker, the bursary covers tuition Speaker (Hon. George Qulaut) fees for the program, instructional (interpretation): Can you say the opening materials, meals and accommodation, prayer, please, Ms. Ell. workshops, and other mandatory activities. Participants from Nunavut can >>Prayer have their travel fees reimbursed and can be granted five high school credits for Speaker (interpretation): Good their participation in the program. afternoon, Nunavummiut, members, Bursaries are awarded to eligible ministers, (interpretation ends) Premier, students by random selection. No prior (interpretation) and visitors. Good experience with the French language is afternoon. required.
I would like to welcome all the students Mr. Speaker, the Explore program is one from Nakasuk School and their teachers. of the official languages programs of the Welcome to the Gallery. Council of Ministers of Education of Canada funded through Canadian >>Applause Heritage. The Explore program has been offered for over ten years in Nunavut Item 2. (interpretation) Ministers’ and more than 25 students have Statements. Minister of Education, Mr. participated in this program over the Quassa. years.
Item 2: Ministers’ Statements Mr. Speaker, once again this year, there are already several applicants from all three regions of Nunavut. The deadline
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2347 for applications had been extended to being done for future generations of March 6, 2015. The random draw to hunters award bursaries will be done at the end of March. (interpretation) Mr. Speaker, both scientists and hunters agree that current The Explore program is a great way for numbers for Baffin Island caribou are our students to learn the French dangerously low. (interpretation ends) language. Mr. Speaker, learning our That said, I believe that under the right official languages helps strengthen and circumstances, the Baffin caribou protect them and provides increased population can recover. This will take opportunities to our students. some time and during this time, we will (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker. need patience.
>>Applause (interpretation) My department has been working closely with our co- Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. management partners to explore options (interpretation ends) Ministers’ for managing Baffin caribou. The Statements. Hon. Minister of Nunavut Wildlife Management Board is Environment, Mr. Mike. holding a public hearing this week to consider longer term management Minister’s Statement 123 – 4(2): measures for Baffin caribou, with input Baffin Island Caribou from all co-management partners and Management (Mike) interested parties.
Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): (interpretation ends) Everyone has a role Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Welcome to in managing the caribou population. This the students and teachers attending here, responsibility lies not only with the as well to the people of Nunavut and government and co-management Pangnirtung. partners, but also with harvesters. (interpretation) In these situations, we Mr. Speaker, I’m going to be talking must all work together to ensure that about Baffin Island caribou future generations of harvesters have the management. same, if not greater, opportunities than we do today. On January 1 of this year, the Nunavut government brought an interim Mr. Speaker, putting this interim moratorium on hunting caribou on moratorium in place was a difficult Baffin Island into effect. The decision, but I believe it was the only government made this decision because decision possible for the short term. we, along with our co-management on (interpretation ends) I know that we will wildlife partners, believe Baffin Island have some difficult times ahead of us, caribou are in crisis. (interpretation ends) but our goal is to safeguard the As wildlife managers, sometimes we sustainability of the Baffin Island have to make difficult decisions about caribou population as government and harvesting for today’s generation of harvesters have done in the hunters. This decision is different; it is
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2348 past. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. panel discussion during the Arctic Speaker. Change Conference in December. Other panel members included Mary Simon, >>Applause past President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and inaugural Chairperson of the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. National Committee on Inuit Education; Ministers’ Statements. Minister Dr. Keith Chaulk, Director of the responsible for Nunavut Arctic College, Labrador Institute of Memorial Mr. Quassa. University; and Lars Kullerud, President of the University of the Arctic. Minister’s Statement 124 – 4(2): A University in Nunavut (Quassa) Mr. Speaker, we will be preparing an options paper for cabinet, and I hope we Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. will be in a position in our spring session Speaker. I rise today to inform members to announce the exciting plans and of progress being made towards a concept for the Nunavut university. university in Nunavut. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
At our fall 2014 cabinet retreat in Whale >>Applause Cove, direction was provided to my officials to develop a discussion paper Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. regarding the pros and cons and possible (interpretation ends) Ministers’ options for the establishment of a Statements. Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna. university in Nunavut. Minister’s Statement 125 – 4(2): Attainment of post-secondary education Accountability and Transparency is becoming more of a goal and reality (Taptuna) for Nunavummiut. Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Peter Taptuna: Qujannamiik, Mr. stated mandate and, indeed, the major Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues, focus of Sivumut Abluqta is education Kuglukturmiut, Nunavummiut, and of and employment. course, our young students who are in the House here with us. Some possible options that we are currently exploring are a standalone Mr. Speaker, one of the hallmarks of university, a university college, a pan- good governance is accountability and territorial university, an Inuit Nunangat transparency in government, especially university, or some combination of with respect to the expenditure of public those. funds.
In collaboration with Nunavut >>Applause Tunngavik Incorporated, Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Laval University, and On an annual basis, we table income and Carleton University, an Inuit Nunangat benefits received by ministers and university workshop will be held here in Members of the Legislative Assembly in Iqaluit later on this month. This follows this House. Last year, at the request of on the heels of my participation on a
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2349 this House, we tabled salary and bonus >>Applause payments of deputy heads. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, we have made it a priority Ministers’ Statements. Minister of under Sivumut Abluqta to continue to Justice, Mr. Okalik. improve the fair and transparent practices of this government. Within that Minister’s Statement 126 – 4(2): commitment, I have amended the terms Status of Corrections in Nunavut and conditions of deputy head (Okalik) employment contracts, which includes Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Crown agencies. Deputy heads are now Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good required to provide full disclosure afternoon. I wish to rise today as statements to the Integrity yesterday, we received the report of the Commissioner. The disclosure allows Office of the Auditor General of Canada the Integrity Commissioner to review the regarding their audit of corrections in statement and provide another level of Nunavut. I thank their office for their accountability by an independent officer. professionalism and diligence.
Mr. Speaker, to ensure more Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this transparency, we added a condition to opportunity to update the House on deputy head contracts to include the actions that are being taken and have annual publication of salaries and been taken. bonuses. I have also directed my department to upload a copy of the For urgent issues, such as adherence to general terms and conditions and fire drills, the department has taken disclosure forms of deputy head immediate remedial action. Staff in all contracts to the Government of Nunavut correctional facilities received website. instruction on the requirement and importance of conducting evacuation Mr. Speaker, governments have an drills. These drills have been occurring obligation to be accountable to the quarterly, most recently between public, and we must continue to February 6 and 18, 2015. strengthen the accountability of public funds on public programs and services. Ninety-eight new beds have been opened in the past two years, with the opening Mr. Speaker, it is a priority of this of the Rankin Inlet Healing Facility and government to practice good government Makigiarvik. Today, 24 inmates are through the wise use of our resources, being held at BCC, or 40 percent of its and we are making progress on our capacity. This space allows for important commitments as outlined in the remediation to be undertaken at BCC. government’s mandate Sivumut Abluqta. This work began Monday and will The direction I provided to amend continue for 12 weeks. deputy head contracts is indication to this House that we are indeed delivering Long-term solutions in corrections will on our promises. Thank you, Mr. be grounded in Inuit values, knowledge, Speaker. and culture. During this session,
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2350
Members of the Legislative Assembly reintegrate in our communities as are reviewing amendments to the productive members of society. That’s it Corrections Act, beginning with for now, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. protection of an inmate’s human rights. In the coming months, the Department >>Applause of Justice will consult with community justice committees, traditional Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. counsellors, and others to seek out best Ministers’ Statements. I have no more practices for making the Corrections Act names on my list. Item 3. Members’ relevant to our territory. Statements. Member for Netsilik, Ms. Ugyuk. In July 2014, the department met with outpost camp operators. These camps Item 3: Members’ Statements provide appropriate healing, mental health support, and skills development to Member’s Statement 259 – 4(2): our inmates. We will continue to Employment Readiness Program strengthen the Outpost Camp program (Ugyuk) and use their experiences to help shape Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): our legislation and policies for our other Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to correctional facilities. welcome our precious students from Nakasuk School to the gallery. I am The core of a correctional facility, the quite pleased to see younger students in programming and staff, will make the the House. difference in an inmate’s rehabilitation. In addition to our work towards a made- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share in a in-Nunavut Corrections Act and update piece of good news in Taloyoak, as there of the policies, the department has is a workshop being offered on arts and undertaken a major initiative to hire Inuit crafts as part of the healing process, and staff for Makigiarvik. In doing so, the facilitators offering this workshop programs and services will be delivered are from the Cambridge Bay in the language of the population and (interpretation ends) wellness centre. reflect the rehabilitation needed to The Kitikmeot Inuit Association enable an individual’s full participation (interpretation) has funded this in society. workshop to pay for the facilitators.
A detailed response to the Office of the The people are taking this arts and crafts Auditor General will be tabled in this workshop as the skills taught revolve House. In the meantime, I assure you around family relations and community- that steps are being made and will specific traditions pertinent to the continue. people. However, part of this course is specific towards job readiness skills. Mr. Speaker, as a small jurisdiction, There are 22 participants in the course. when we speak of corrections in There are 11 participants who are part of Nunavut, we are speaking about people the Career Development Program. we know. Rehabilitation, based on Inuit societal values, will see these individuals
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2351
I am gratified that some of my fellow This individual from Pangnirtung is very residents in Taloyoak are participating in content when he is carving, especially the training and that they are committed caribou antlers, tusks, bones, and carving to this course. I am quite pleased with stone. Usually the subjects he carves their progression. The teachers for this relate to people, birds, and wildlife. course are Ermie LeBlanc and Elisabeth Kaosoni from Cambridge Bay is I would like to thank the Canada Council assisting the teacher. for the Arts and the Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association for an excellent I will say the traditional Inuktitut names showing of the works of Mr. Jayko of the participants: Taraajjuk, Kanguaq, Ishulutak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Napatsikallak, Kakiarniut, Ulliaq, Pauluhi, Pavvinaq, Pimmitsiaq, Maria >>Applause Otak, Kanngualuk, and Qajuutinnuaq. Those are the participants of the Career Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Development Program being held in Members’ Statements. Member for Gjoa Haven. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uqqummiut, Mr. Keyootak.
>>Applause Member’s Statement 261 – 4(2): Happy Birthday to Daughter, Nina Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (Keyootak) Members’ Statements. Member for Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank Pangnirtung, Mr. Mike. you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to celebrate an occasion and to congratulate Member’s Statement 260 – 4(2): my daughter whose birthday is today, Exhibit Featuring Carvings by Nina. I wish her a wonderful day today Jayko Ishulutak (Mike) as she celebrates her birthday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is one of >>Applause the few instances where I am one of the first members to make a statement. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Members’ Statements. I have no more Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I say “good names on my list. (interpretation ends) day” to the people of Pangnirtung as Item 4. Returns to Oral Questions. well as my children, whom I have left (interpretation) Item 5. Recognition of behind. Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. I rise today to share in acknowledging Quassa. and congratulating an artist, Jayko Ishulutak, who is a professional carver Item 5: Recognition of Visitors in the and well known worldwide in both the Gallery north and Canada. They are showing about 30 pieces of his work in a Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): showcase that opened this winter on Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation January 16 and ran to February 15. ends) I would like to welcome our
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2352 visitors from Nakasuk School. >>Laughter (interpretation) Let us applaud them. Also, Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize >>Applause my granddaughter who is sitting behind me, Desiree Taptuna. Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) I would also like to Speaker. welcome Principal Tracey MacMillan. >>Applause >>Applause Speaker (interpretation): Welcome to Along with the teachers, Shontel the gallery. Recognition of Visitors in McInnis. the Gallery. I have no more names on my list. Welcome to the gallery. Item 6. >>Applause Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. (interpretation) And Shannon Richardson. Item 6: Oral Questions
>>Applause Question 431 – 4(2): Activities of the Qulliq Energy Corporation (interpretation ends) As I said, with all (Hickes) their grade 4 students, I think this is a Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. great opportunity for them to actually Welcome to all these great students. watch the leaders of Nunavut, and certainly they are our future Nunavut Mr. Speaker, my question today is for leaders. (interpretation) Please make the Minister responsible for the Qulliq them feel very welcome to the House. Energy Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the minister will recall, the >>Applause Legislative Assembly’s Standing Committee on Oversight of Government Speaker: The students of Nakasuk Operations and Public Accounts had a School and the teachers, welcome to the very productive set of hearings last gallery. (interpretation) Recognition of September on the business plan and Visitors in the Gallery. (interpretation annual report of the Qulliq Energy ends) Hon. Premier, Mr. Taptuna. Corporation. As chair of the committee, I am very much looking forward to Hon. Peter Taptuna: Thank you, Mr. reviewing the government’s responses to Speaker. It is not too often I stand to our recommendations from this hearing recognize visitors and I’ll take every when the minister tables them in the opportunity to do that. House during the upcoming spring sitting. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize my niece’s children. There are Paul Speaking of tabling, QEC’s 2014-18 Hinnanik and Sherry Hinnanik. They are corporate plan was tabled in the House twins, but you wouldn’t think so. on June 12, 2014. When will QEC’s
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2353
2015-19 corporate plan be ready for would be: when will the 2013-14 reports tabling in the Legislative Assembly? be ready for tabling in the Legislative Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister Minister responsible for the Qulliq responsible for the Qulliq Energy Energy Corporation, Mr. Peterson. Corporation, Mr. Peterson. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank Mr. Hickes for the Speaker. I don’t have a date. I would reminders. We are working on those hope that I’ll be able to table it as early documents. I assure Mr. Hickes and all as this spring. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the members that we are reviewing all those documents again. There are some Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. issues with the last document that we are Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. clarifying. I don’t want to table information that’s potentially misleading Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I or incorrect, so we’re working on the thank the minister for that response. Mr. finalization of edits and of course, we Speaker, QEC’s 2012-13 annual report would have to get them translated. was tabled on March 19 of 2014. When Thank you, Mr. Speaker. will QEC’s 2013-14 annual report be ready for tabling in the Legislative Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oral Questions. Member for South Baffin, Mr. Joanasie. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister responsible for the Qulliq Question 432 – 4(2): Kimmirut Energy Corporation, Mr. Peterson. Airport Relocation (Joanasie)
Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Speaker. Again I don’t have a firm date. you, Mr. Speaker. Also, welcome to the I have reviewed the document. There is visitors. some back and forth at QEC and the minister’s office with some clarifications Mr. Speaker, my questions are directed and edits, so I am uncertain of when I to the Minister of Economic would be able to table it. Thank you, Mr. Development and Transportation. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are related to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. another project that I hope to see Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. completed in my lifetime. Mr. Speaker, for over two decades, residents of Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Kimmirut have been raising concerns Just to keep with that theme, QEC’s about the location of the community’s contracting, procurement and leasing airport. Kimmirut has the shortest reports for the 2012-13 fiscal year were runway in Nunavut, which severely tabled on October 21, 2014. My question
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2354 limits the type of aircraft that can take Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. off and land at the airport. Your first supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Speaker, on May 27, 2014, the Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank House was informed that in 2011, “$1 you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the minister million was spent on the Kimmirut for her response. Mr. Speaker, in May of Airport Relocation Study.” I would like last year, when I raised concerns about to ask the minister if she can indicate the Kimmirut Airport, I noted that I had what the Kimmirut Airport Relocation been told by the government that a Study concluded and when she will table “capital project will be submitted for it in the Legislative Assembly. Thank consideration for fiscal year 2015-2016.” you, Mr. Speaker. However, the Kimmirut Airport is not included in the 2015-16 capital Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. estimates. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Economic Development and Can the minister indicate where the Transportation, Ms. Ell. Kimmirut Airport relocation project is at in her department’s capital planning Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank process? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the member for his question on that issue. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The airport issue is a major concern as it Minister Economic Development and provides a vital service for the Transportation, Ms. Ell. community and elsewhere, especially in light of the fact that regulations are Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank subject to change related to airport you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank the operations and public safety. member for raising that issue. However, I don’t have the particulars related to this The statement I made previously related single airport at this time. Once I have to the deliberations on the challenges we information relevant to the member’s face in airport operations, especially the question after requesting the information external factors that require further from my officials, I will provide it. review in the future related to airports, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. airstrips, and how these plans can be implemented. This includes the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. priorities. Your final supplementary, Mr. Joanasie.
We are aware that the Kimmirut Airport Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank has one of the oldest landing strips still you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last operating. I believe it is about 25 years week, I was pleased to hear the minister old. We are currently deliberating on assure my colleague representing Baker whether we would need to change the Lake that her department will address location of the terminal, as we also need the important airport needs of small to look at the airstrip location. Thank communities. you, Mr. Speaker.
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Can the minister assure my constituents Can the minister clarify what steps that the Kimmirut Airport relocation should be taken by his or her project is clearly on her department’s departmental staff to provide support to radar? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. apprentices as they try to obtain employment that will allow them to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. work towards their certification? Thank Minister of Economic Development and you, Mr. Speaker. Transportation, Ms. Ell. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Please identify which minister you are you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to directing your question to, Mr. thank the member. It was back in 1976 Sammurtok. that the airport in Kimmirut was constructed. Its possible relocation or Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. replacement is currently under review by Speaker. I’ll try the Minister of our officials. As I stated earlier, I will Education. look into it and once I get more information, I’ll provide it to my >>Laughter colleague. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Rankin Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Inlet South, Mr. Sammurtok. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Education, Mr. Quassa. Question 433 – 4(2): Support for Apprentices (Sammurtok) Hon. Paul Quassa: Mr. Speaker, I believe the member is asking for the Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic Speaker. I would like to direct my College. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. question to the minister whose department is responsible for supporting Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. apprentices in completing their training, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of the Minister of Education or the Minister Nunavut Arctic College, Mr. Quassa. of Family Services, as both ministers’ departments look after this program. >>Laughter
Mr. Speaker, in order for an apprentice Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. to finish their training, they need to work Speaker. I thank the member for asking under a qualified journeyman. It has that question. (interpretation) Thank you, come to my attention that career Mr. Speaker. I believe apprenticeship is development officers are telling very important to us. In Rankin Inlet, the apprentices to look for their own training is ongoing and it is successful. employment opportunities to complete No matter which Arctic College you’re their training. This is not an easy task. going to, we look for certified (interpretation ends) journeymen (interpretation) who could take on
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2356 apprentices in the communities. I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. apologize that I don’t have a term in Minister responsible for Nunavut Arctic Inuktitut for journeyman. College, Mr. Quassa.
We urge and encourage journeymen to Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): take on apprentices. In having said that, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my there aren’t too many journeymen colleague for voicing his concern about around in Nunavut available to this matter. There will be an apprentices in the communities. We look announcement forthcoming later on at local housing organizations and those when Nunavut Arctic College is on the who carry out work on government agenda, later on hopefully today. The projects. We constantly encourage them Nunavut Arctic College presentation will to work with apprentices when they are include details on this issue that the not taking their courses. We do want that member referenced in his question, Mr. hands-on learning to take place, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Your first supplementary, Mr. Sammurtok. Sammurtok. Mr. Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Sammurtok (interpretation): Thank Speaker. I recognize that there is some you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) shared responsibility between the As the Minister of Nunavut Arctic departments of Family Services and College just indicated, or Education, Education with respect to the whichever the case may be, their priority apprenticeship program and career is education. development opportunities. Will the minister commit to looking into this Mr. Speaker, our government has stated matter with the assistance of his or her that education is its number one priority. colleague to ensure that apprentices However, the lack of support or receive the support they need as they assistance to individuals who are trying work towards completing their to complete their education to get a certification? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. career makes it appear that it is not a priority. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Can the minister explain why the Education, Mr. Quassa. (intepretation) I departmental staff are unwilling to apologize...(interpretation provide assistance to apprentices who ends)...responsible for Nunavut Arctic need to find positions where they can College. work towards completing their apprenticeship? Thank you, Mr. Hon. Paul Quassa: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker. (interpretation) We do collaborate with the family services department as well as others. I just want to inform the member that there is a
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2357 committee that looks at these issues and Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): (interpretation ends) apprenticeship and Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first trade certification board (interpretation) start with my expression of gratitude to is the title of this committee. I have been my colleagues for approving the informed that there are currently operations budget. This will provide vacancies in the committee looking after assistance and a good starting point for the apprenticeship file, but that is people suffering from mental health. something we want to restart. These programs will now be funded properly for all communities in Nunavut I will work with my colleague, through the local health centres that will obviously the Minister of Family look after the mental health cases. This Services, as this is an important matter. initiative will now commence. Further, the objectives laid out in Sivumut Abluqta speak to the need to Further, for Iqaluit, we have been make this a priority and this will be running more programs to see if we can looked after carefully. I want my look at the places where people suffering colleague to know that this will be a from mental health will be assisted. I priority. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. believe this program is improving and the focus is starting to shift more Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. towards youth. We believe that early Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- detection for younger people can make a Niaqunguu, Ms.Angnakak. significant and positive difference in their lives. This early diagnostic process Question 434 – 4(2): Addressing is continuing. Mental Health across Nunavut (Angnakak) We will always try different ways of Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. finding out how we can help people with Speaker. I would like to direct my mental health challenges. Thank you, question to the Minister of Health. Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, during the sitting, we had a Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. number of discussions on the impact that Your first supplementary, Ms. poor mental health, addictions, and other Angnakak. societal pressures have on our health and well-being. Can the minister describe Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. what steps his department has taken to Speaker. I thank the minister for his study and evalulate the range and extent answer. He made reference to the of mental health issues that plague our recently approved Department of population and what resources are Health’s proposed budget for 2015-16. allocated to address these issues? Thank That included a significant investment in you, Mr. Speaker. hiring more staff to work in the mental health field. Can the minister provide an Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. update on exactly how many mental (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of health staff, including mental health Health, Mr. Okalik. workers and psychiatric nurses, would
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2358 be employed by the government in 2015- project with funding from the federal 16? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. government. We did not stop that program, but because the funding Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. arrangement with the federal (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of government expired, we had no choice Health, Mr. Okalik. but to end that pilot project. I stated that I will be speaking with the minister Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): responsible for the college to see how Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We already we can set up something similar. Thank have sent some mental health you, Mr. Speaker. professionals into a few communities, especially the mental health nurses. We Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. already have staff positions filled in Oral Questions. Member for Arviat Iqaluit. We are not quite finished in this South, Mr. Savikataaq. area, so I will see how we can actually further help every community. We will Question 435 – 4(2): Review of continue to look for new options and put Harvester Support Programs together a solid plan this year. Thank (Savikataaq) you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are for the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Environment. Your final supplementary, Ms. Angnakak. As the minister will recall, I have asked him questions on his department’s Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. hunter support program in the past. Mr. Speaker. I thank once again the minister Speaker, Arviat has many fur harvesters for his response. That sounds very and hunters and they appreciate the promising. hunter support programs that are offered by his department, but these programs Mr. Speaker, given the mental health have not been changed or updated since issues faced by so many Nunavummiut, we were still the Northwest Territories. it was very surprising that the Department of Health cancelled the The last time I asked the minister about mental health counsellor training the hunter support program, his response program at Nunavut Arctic College. Will was that they were under review. Can the minister commit to reconsidering the the minister give us an update on the need for a program to train and certify review and if the review process is being mental health counsellors in Nunavut? done in-house or with outside agencies? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik. Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said at Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my Committee of the Whole, this was a pilot colleague for asking that question. The
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2359 current hunter support program has been Hon. Johnny Mike: Thank you, Mr. in place within government since 2005. Speaker. The harvester support review is It was never reviewed since that time. a very important file and initiative, and Last summer, we wanted to start a my department is totally committed to a review of that hunter support program. It comprehensive and useful review. is of utmost importance to this Therefore, I can say now that I feel that government to provide assistance to our further consultation was required on the hunters as the reason. conclusion and recommendations with the Nunavut HTOs and communities. When questions were raised about this I’m hoping that the final product can be review, I had responded previously that here in the early spring or before the our expectations were for this winter. To spring session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. date, the report was submitted to my attention on the review, but I felt that it Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. required further work, so I tasked our Your final supplementary, Mr. officials to conduct more consultation to Savikataaq. ensure that this review was more consistent. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Fur Pricing Program, With respect to your second question, which is one of the programs under the yes, this issue is currently being worked hunter support program, I assume, is on outside of the government. They are being reviewed too. conducting the review of this program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to point out to the minister that in 2013-14 on the main Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. estimates, the budget for the Fur Pricing Your first supplementary, Mr. Program was $70,000. In the 2013-14 Savikataaq. Annual Report on Grants and Contributions, which was tabled in Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. November of 2014, indicated that only Speaker. I thank the minister for the $33,735 of the budget was used. response. I understand that the review Roughly half of the budget of the Fur process was done but sent back for more Pricing Program was used. Mr. Speaker, review. I didn’t hear it, but can the this suggests to me that there is room to minister indicate when the second increase the amount that is currently paid review process might be done and for long fur, such as wolves, wolverines, completed and the program updates, if and foxes, and short furs such as there are any updates done, when will sealskins. the new program with the updates be ready for us to see? Thank you, Mr. Mr. Speaker, I have also asked the Speaker. minister on many occasions about his department’s paying for the shipping Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. costs of fur harvested in Nunavut by (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Nunavut hunters and trappers. Environment, Mr. Mike.
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Currently, the Department of Can the minister explain how medical Environment only pays for the shipping travel contracts are allocated so that one of fur to one fur buyer in Canada. I’m airline does not have a distinct business asking the minister, because the advantage over another? Thank you, Mr. minister’s staff would put the parameters Speaker. on the review, I would think, as part of the review, to start paying for the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. shipping of fur harvested in Nunavut to Minister of Health, Mr. Okalik. any fur buyer in Canada, not just one. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These contracts Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. have different conditions depending on Minister of Environment, Mr. Mike. the community and the airline in Nunavut. Following these, medical Hon. Johnny Mike (interpretation): travel is spelled out as to the breakdown Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As per my of patients, each airline getting about previous response, I personally wanted it half the travellers. The agreements are back so I can hear from hunters and set to follow this model and we follow community members that support this today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. harvesters and when they access programs for hunters. As I stated, I have Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. directed my staff do more work in this Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. area. This spring, I want to bring the findings of this work to the House. I will Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank be able to provide a better answer at that you, Mr. Speaker. Now that Calm Air is time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. the only airline flying into Repulse Bay, there are often extensive delays. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Sometimes medical travel clients are Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. arriving in Winnipeg well after Mapsalak. midnight. Some even miss appointments due to airline slowness. It is directly Question 436 – 4(2): Medical Travel related to having only one airline. Can Contracts (Mapsalak) the minister look at fixing this problem to make it better for people going south Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank on medical travel? Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct Speaker. my question to the Minister of Health. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker, up until a short while ago, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of the residents of Repulse Bay had airline Health, Mr. Okalik. services from both First Air and Calm Air. However, it seemed that the Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): majority of medical travel bookings Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want my were made on Calm Air, which had an fellow member and all of you to know effect on First Air’s decision to stop and be aware that I have directed my airline service to the community. staff to explore ways to improve any
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2361 parts of the medical travel system and Question 437 – 4(2): Office of the Fire those on contract to us. The system has Marshal (Enook) to adapt for the better where identified. I have wanted an open dialogue for Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, improvements to happen and an Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the atmosphere of openness. This is not people of Pond Inlet and fellow residents finished and we will see how things are of Nunavut. improving over time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Community and Government Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Services, whose department is Your final supplementary, Mr. responsible for the Office of the Fire Mapsalak. Marshal.
Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank As the minister is aware, one of the you, Mr. Speaker. My last question has government’s assistant fire marshal been answered, but I will ask whether positions is located in Pond Inlet. Last the minister can comment as to the summer, the minister advised me that the upcoming renewal of these contracts for department was in the process of medical travel patients. When does this recruiting for the position. process start? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the minister update me today on the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. status of filling the assistant fire marshal (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of position in Pond Inlet? Have you hired Health, Mr. Okalik. someone yet? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Paul Okalik (interpretation): Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The agreement Minister of Community and Government was affirmed last year, it is going to end Services, Mr. Sammurtok. in August this year, and we have an option to renew it for another year. After Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): talking to the airlines, we will explain Thank you, Mr. Speaker. People of what is going to happen, but before the Chesterfield Inlet, Rankin Inlet, and contract actually expires, I can’t really Nunavut, as well as my colleagues, it is get into what is going to happen. We great that I am able to come back. When would have to talk with the airlines first you miss one day, it seems like you are and we know that the prices will missing a lot. increase. Those are some of the things we will have to consider as a In regard to the question, there is a job government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. advertisement out there, but we haven’t hired anyone yet. Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Tununiq, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Enook. Your first supplementary, Mr. Enook.
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Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Legislative Assembly on October 22, Mr. Speaker. The correspondence I 2014. The report indicated that here received from the minister about this were a total of 16 fires in Pond Inlet. issue arrived on August 26 of last year. This illustrates the importance of It states that this position is currently training particularly for our volunteer under competition at this time. The letter fire departments. I would like to ask the states that and I received this in August minister if he can indicate when a 26 of last summer. general level firefighting course will next be offered in Pond Inlet. Thank Your response just now was that the you, Mr. Speaker. process to hire the person is still underway, if I understood your response. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Can the minister explain why it has been (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of taking so long to fill this vital position? Community and Government Services, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Sammurtok.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Minister of Community and Government Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every year, we Services, Mr. Sammurtok. try to hold that kind of course during spring and summer. People from the Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): communities, some of whom are fire Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Office of chiefs and some who are regular the Fire Marshal has vacancies in their firefighters, would be sent out for division and they are undermanned. The training. For example, if they go to a vacant position the member is referring course in Iqaluit, the ones who took that to is in Pond Inlet and we face the same course would, in turn, train their fellow situation in Rankin Inlet. firefighters in their communities. However, if firefighters in other They tried to revamp the job description. communities specifically request for However, as per my earlier response, the training courses, we can take that into advertisements are out in the public consideration. Thank you. realm. If applicants will be submitting their resumés, we hope to have this Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. completed in a faster manner. Thank Oral Questions. Member for Aivilik, Mr. you. Mapsalak.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Question 438 – 4(2): Coral Harbour’s Your final supplementary, Mr. Enook. Municipal Garages (Mapsalak)
Mr. Enook (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Mr. Speaker. That is added to our list of you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for expectations. recognizing me again.
Nonetheless, I want to ask this question. Mr. Speaker, I would like to direct my The 2013 annual report of the Office of question to the Minister of Community the Fire Marshal was tabled in the and Government Services.
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It is important that municipal vehicles Will the minister commit to allocating are stored and maintained properly to funds under of the government’s capital ensure the delivery of essential services. budget for the construction of a new That being said, Coral Harbour’s parking parking garage in Coral Harbour? Thank garages are extremely overcrowded and you, Mr. Speaker. there is no room to house some of their equipment. When it is extremely cold Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. outside, it is especially hard on that (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of equipment. Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok. Can the minister indicate, as it is obvious Nunavummiut watch the proceedings, Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. how his department is assisting the Speaker. Once we receive a request from municipalities to address this issue and a community, it goes into the Nunavut provide more support for hamlets to get community sustainability committee. extra garage space? Thank you, Mr. Based on the recommendation of that Speaker. committee, then we would consider funding for a project. (interpretation) Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Thank you. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your final supplementary, Mr. Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Mapsalak. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed, I can only reiterate my usual response, Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank although I don’t like repeating it. you, Mr. Speaker. It looks like this plan Nonetheless, the communities have to had been looked at and it was left submit a request through the process. behind. I go there and I see it myself. When they use the capital planning Some of their vehicles have to be outside process to identify their needs, there is because the garage is so full. Can the an alternative. When our departmental minister indicate to the hamlet in the officials visit the communities, they can near future that he will direct his staff to also look at these issues. Thank you. look into the matter? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Your first supplementary, Mr. Mapsalak. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank Community and Government Services, you, Mr. Speaker. I will ask this question Mr. Sammurtok. in English. (interpretation ends) Coral Harbour’s 2011 sustainability plan Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): recommends that this issue be addressed Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Nunavut in the long term by constructing a new sustainability committee will look into five-bay parking garage in the that and after they do the work, I will community. inform the House. Thank you.
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Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. rated at 40 percent; program and services Oral Questions. Member for Iqaluit- at 35 percent; and sustainability and Tasiluk, Mr. Hickes. economic factors at 25 percent. The allocation of funding is based on highest Question 439 – 4(2): Building Canada points scored during the evaluation Fund Committee Membership process. (interpretation) Thank you, Mr. (Hickes) Speaker. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have some follow-up questions to the Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Minister of Community and Government Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. Services from some questions that I had asked on Monday. Mr. Speaker, I was Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. asking some questions regarding the The minister answered a portion of my Building Canada Fund and going over second question, but I would like to go the Blues, I would like to get some back to my first question, please, and if further clarification and maybe a little bit the minister would be able to tell me more detail on some of the questions I who is on the committee from had asked then. departmental staff and again, like I said, from members outside of the In one of the responses when I was department. Who and how many make asking about how the department ranks up that committee? Thank you, Mr. and prioritizes infrastructure projects Speaker. that are submitted under the New Building Canada Fund, he had Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. mentioned that there is a committee of Minister of Community and Government departmental staff and members from Services, Mr. Sammurtok. outside the department. I was wondering if the minister would be able to elaborate Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. a little on the membership of that Speaker. I do have that information. The committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. committee is made up of five members from the Interdepartmental Committee Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. on Capital Planning, two representatives (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of from Community and Government Community and Government Services, Services, two representatives from Mr. Sammurtok. Finance, and one representative from Education. Those are the ones that I can Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. list off at this point. (interpretation) Speaker. As I mentioned previously, the Thank you. Interdepartmental Committee on Capital Planning reviews a list of projects that Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. fall under the Building Canada Fund Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. eligibility criteria listing. All the projects are ranked and prioritized based on the Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I GN’s approved ranking criteria. I’ll just thank the minister for that clarification. give you a few examples of what these Mr. Speaker, within the criteria that the are. For example, health and safety is minister just spoke to with the different
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2365 percentages, in his response on Monday, Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank he said that all departments have you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to direct submitted a list of projects for my question to the Minister of Family consideration in the New Building Services. Canada Fund and that these projects have been ranked and prioritized. Mr. Speaker, I have an understanding about parents whose children have been Now that I’m aware of what criteria and apprehended by social services. In cases rating that the ranking gets, one of the of abuse occurring in the household, the questions I have is that the submissions child is sent out to another community. come from different government This can lead to stressful situations for departments. I was wondering how the the parents, who want to see their department involves local organizations apprehended children in the other and municipalities when determining community. projects that are going to be submitted under the New Building Canada Fund. What types of support services are Thank you, Mr. Speaker. available for those families with apprehended children? Thank you, Mr. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Community and Government Services, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Sammurtok. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk.
Hon. Tom Sammurtok: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Speaker. I’m not sure if I’m going to be Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also thank my able to properly respond to that question. colleague for asking about this issue. If I’m assuming he is asking about projects they have gone through the court system submitted outside of the government, for where the family receives conditions that example, let’s say, from an Inuit have to be followed, then those organization. We assume that whoever conditions apply. submits those projects for consideration already have a committee or working However, if the apprehended child is group anyway to determine which receiving treatment or other services projects they want to submit. We take through the system, then the parents that at face value that they have been have visitation rights with their child approved by that committee or that where they can visit twice in one year. group. (interpretation) Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Oral Questions. Member for Quttiktuq, Your first supplementary, Mr. Mr. Shooyook. Shooyook.
Question 440 – 4(2): Visitation of Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank Children in Care (Shooyook) you for responding to my question. I still have another question to ask. The reason I speak to this issue is to gain a clear
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2366 understanding of this wording used to ticket to visit their child. This occurred define a household. during our last session and I paid for the parent’s ticket to visit their child. Sometimes the adolescents ranging from age 13 to 16 are the victims of abuse At that time, I hadn’t requested any within their homes, and it is a very information about services available to difficult situation when the abuse is the parents, but I do understand the discovered. The example of a court case services are available now. The parent where the abuser is held in remand or wanted to have his airfare paid again, but not allowed to see the victim, in most I didn’t comply with that request. That is cases, they are sent out to another why I wanted to ask about whether or community. This is the current practice, not services are provided to parents in which is why I ask if support services those situations. Your response was very are provided. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. clear, leading to my understanding of the issue, so I thank you for that. Thank you, Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Speaker. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Family Services, Ms. Ugyuk. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. I believe that was just a comment. Oral Hon. Jeannie Ugyuk (interpretation): Questions. Member for Iqaluit-Tasiluk, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If the lawyers Mr. Hickes. and the court system that is used up here to deal with these cases have set Question 441 – 4(2): Building Canada conditions, our department has to Fund Priorities (Hickes) acquiesce to the conditions since these are legal conditions that have to be Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I followed, although we provide the would like to, for one, clarify the services. The conditions are all different response that I got from the Minister of and we can’t ask for a generic condition, Community and Government Services but we can only follow the conditions on the last one and continue on with a and that is the only way we can provide similar but different line of questioning. assistance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When municipalities get together and Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. submit a list of priorities of Your final supplementary, Mr. infrastructure projects and they submit it Shooyook. to the Department of Community and Government Services and then different Mr. Shooyook (interpretation): Thank government departments submit their list you, Mr. Speaker. I am thankful for the of infrastructure requests to the clear and understandable response. Department of Community and Government Services, how are those Instances like these are very difficult to projects amalgamated and go through experience, such as the condition to keep the ranking process in a weighting? Are the child out of the community for a the municipal organizations and the Inuit year. There is a case here and the parent organizations at the same level as requested my assistance to pay for their departmental requests or is there a
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2367 separation? How is that ranking Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. accomplished? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the infrastructure needs in Nunavut, I don’t envy that job of Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. deciding what is the highest of priorities. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok. I’m just going to go specifically to the portion of the community that I represent Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): here in Iqaluit. The other day, I had Thank you, Mr. Speaker. From my asked the minister to provide a list of understanding, when the requests are projects in Iqaluit that have been given to our department, we treat them submitted for funding under the Building all the same. Thank you. Canada Fund. In the response, he stated that there were a number of projects Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. being reviewed by the federal Your first supplementary, Mr. Hickes. government and he wasn’t able to provide me with the level of detail at that Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. time. When a list of projects is submitted to the Department of Community and I was wondering, since that question on Government Services and it falls under Monday, if the minister has been able to the New Building Canada Fund get a list of the projects that have been allocation or submission criteria is the applied for specifically for Iqaluit and word I was looking for, how then is it the nature of those projects. Thank you, decided on which of those projects are Mr. Speaker. actually going to be submitted to the federal government on an application for Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. funding basis? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister of Community and Government Services, Mr. Sammurtok. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister of Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): Community and Government Services, Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation Mr. Sammurtok. ends) With respect to his specific question to the application from the City Hon. Tom Sammurtok (interpretation): of Iqaluit, again I cannot give that Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation information at this point because, as I ends) When the committees are mentioned earlier, we are still waiting determining on the ranking here, I for approval from the federal previously mentioned some of the government on all of these projects. criteria that are used, and also most Until such time as I have that approval, importantly is that this committee will I’m unable to provide that information at determine on the most needs assessment this point. (interpretation) Thank you. as well. (interpretation) Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. The time for question period has Your final supplementary, Mr. Hickes. expired. Item 7. Written Questions. (interpretation ends) Item 8. Returns to
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Written Questions. Item 9. Replies to Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. Opening Address. Item 10. Petitions. (interpretation ends) Item 15. Notices of Item 11. Responses to Petitions. Item 12. Motions for First Reading of Bills. Item Reports of Standing and Special 16. Motions. Item 17. First Reading of Committees on Bills and Other Matters. Bills. Item 18. Second Reading of Bills. Item 13. Tabling of Documents. Hon. Item 19. Consideration in Committee of Minister of Finance, Mr. Peterson. the Whole of Bills and Other Matters. Bills 14, 15, 16, and 18 with Mr. Enook Item 13: Tabling of Documents in the Chair.
Tabled Document 116 – 4(2): Public In accordance with the authority Service Code of Values and Ethics provided to me by Motion 19 – 4(2), the (Peterson) committee will stay in session until it Hon. Keith Peterson: Thank you, Mr. reports itself out. Speaker. I am pleased to table the Nunavut Public Service Code of Values Before we proceed to the Committee of and Ethics. I encourage all Government the Whole, we will take a 30-minute of Nunavut and public agency break. employees to read them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms.
Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. >>House recessed at 15:04 and (interpretation ends) Item 14. Notices of Committee resumed at 15:41 Motions. Mr. Rumbolt. Item 19: Consideration in Committee Item 15: Notices of Motions for First of the Whole of Bills and Other Reading of Bills Matters
Bill 21 – An Act to Amend the Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Legislative Assembly and Good afternoon. I would now like to call Executive Council Act, the the committee meeting to order. In Legislative Assembly Retiring Committee of the Whole, we have the Allowances Act and the following items to deal with: Bills 14, Supplementary Retiring 15, 16, and Bill 18. What is the wish of Allowances Act – Notice the committee? Mr. Rumbolt.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. I give notice that on Friday, March 13, Chairman, and good afternoon. We wish 2015, I will move that Bill 21, An Act to to continue with the review of the 2015- Amend the Legislative Assembly and 16 Main Estimates of the Department of Executive Council Act, the Legislative Economic Development and Assembly Retiring Allowances Act and Transportation, followed by Nunavut the Supplementary Retiring Allowances Arctic College, followed by the Act, be read for the first time. Thank Department of Executive and you, Mr. Speaker. Intergovernmental Affairs and, if time
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2369 permits, the Department of Environment. Nunavummiutat. My first question is: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. when you are promoting tourism, how do you promote tourism? Do you go to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, each community of Nunavut or are you Mr. Rumbolt. Are we in agreement that just sending flyers to each community we first deal with the main estimates for and promoting it that way? That would the Department of Economic be my first question. Thank you, Mr. Development and Transportation? Chairman.
Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akoak. Minister Ell. Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Economic Development and you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member Transportation – Consideration in for that question. The Department of Committee Economic Development works closely with Nunavut Tourism regarding their Chairman (interpretation): Are you in goals, Sivumut Abluqta, and the agreement that the Hon. Minister’s Tunngasaiji strategy. Nunavut Tourism officials can go to the witness table? would like to deal with that so that they can make plans for the future. There are Some Members: Agreed. many aspects to the plan and work outlined. Due to this, some of the funds Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. we are requesting and if you want to Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the question it, it will show what Nunavut minister’s officials in. Tourism is doing for Nunavut in all aspects of tourism. It involves phone and Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Minister computer or even going to communities Ell, for the record, please introduce your to train following the plans set for us. witnesses. Madam Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. To my right is the Minister Ell. Mr. Akoak. Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Pauloosie Suvega, and to Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. my left is Jim Stevens, Assistant Deputy In your opening statement yesterday, Minister of Transportation. Thank you. you said that the increase of contributions to tourism and culture total Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, up to $3.8 million, an addition from last Minister Ell. Mr. Suvega and Mr. year from $1.8 million. You said that Stevens, welcome to the Chamber. We you just promote tourism by telephone left off on page K-5. Are there any and stuff like that. Do you not send questions to that page? Mr. Akoak. people to each community to educate or to set up something for tourism into the Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, communities? Thank you, Mr. Hon. Minister, staff, all members, and Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Nunavut Tourism has not had an Minister Ell. increase in the last four years and this increase in funding would allow for Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut Tourism to hire a training Chairman. I think there are coordinator position that would work miscommunications maybe through directly with operators and communities interpretation. to identify training needs and major gaps in training available to determine I did say that depending on whether it’s available funding sources that they could staff from Nunavut Tourism or staff access. They would help the tourism from Economic Development, we do industry identify other sources of travel to communities to either facilitate funding other than government that they training for the industry or assist in could access, such as the regional Inuit providing visitor information and organizations or IIBAs that are set with services, as well as marketing Nunavut mining companies, and work with them as a tourist destination, along with other for their desired training needs. things on the telephone, Internet, video links, and what have you. Thank you, They would also hire a conference and Mr. Chairman. meeting recruiter that would attract meetings and conferences to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. communities throughout Nunavut by Mr. Akoak. preparing an inventory of each of the communities’ accommodations and Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. meeting spaces. They would not do the With the increase in funding, will we conferencing, but they would try to now be sending people into the provide ways in which those communities more often? Thank you, conferences, meetings, and retreats can Mr. Chairman. go to more or all the Nunavut communities. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. The funding would also undertake enhanced development activities, Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. including a broad-based awareness Chairman. The increase in funding is to campaign focusing on Nunavut, its many do several things. It is to undertake the unique attributes, products, and services, priorities that are identified in the and providing assistance to Nunavut Nunavut tourism strategy to help them operators to develop their tourism build capacity and strengthen that product line and packages. You can do industry. As members know, tourism has that in one of two ways: having a group been a difficult time for them in Canada, from the tourist industry go to a specific with GDP revenues that have fallen location or with staff and other members while tourism in other countries has going to them. It depends on the increased. The Nunavut tourism industry situation and the topic. Thank you, Mr. has had a similar impact. Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Ell. Mr. Akoak. I was just going to ask if you’re going to be in contact with the hamlet. Also, is Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. this funding from CanNor and how will Does the Government of Nunavut have a the funding be linked with the Franklin strategy on how to link the tourism tourism program or industry? Thank industry towards the Franklin find for you, Mr. Chairman. Gjoa Haven? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Ell. Minister Ell. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman. I’ll ask Mr. Suvega to answer you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll ask my Deputy that question. Thank you. Minister, Mr. Suvega, to respond to that question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Suvega.
Chairman: Mr. Suvega. Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The joint funding is meant to address a Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. lot of tourism-related activities. Some of With the recent discovery, it is critical them may be directed towards this, but that we have conversations with many of not in its entirety. Some of them will be the jurisdictional partners; federal directed towards this activity and there departments, agencies, Inuit are a variety of other things that we’re organizations, the community, the trying to go after with this joint funding. tourism industry, of course as well, to Thank you, Mr. Chairman. plan and prepare in going forward. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, We are aware that Parks Canada and Mr. Suvega. Mr. Joanasie. other federal departments will be going in and assessing the site itself further, Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank but we need to have much more you, Mr. Chairman. I welcome the comprehensive discussions with these minister and her officials. I have some various agencies on how we best go questions on the food distribution forward to plan and mitigate how some program. It states that $1,868,000 is of these impacts might be. More geared toward this program. Was the importantly, we would also like to hear entire budget of the program spent last from the community on what they wish year? Thank you. to see, what they want to see, and how they would feel about it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. Minister Ell.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Akoak. you, Mr. Chairman. The entire budget was not spent. Thank you.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Joanasie. Mr. Suvega. Mr. Joanasie.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you. Further, if the minister can you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank the elaborate on how many proposals the official for answering that question. In department receives for this amount looking at the departmental business listed here at $1,868,000. Has her plan for 2015-18, the department department had to decline any identifies that the Country Food proposals? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Distribution Program has been operating smoothly within Nunavut. Perhaps you Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. could provide a breakdown of the Minister Ell. communities that benefited from this fund. Can this information be provided Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank to us, Mr. Chairman? Thank you. you, Mr. Chairman. The response I am providing only references parts of the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. question related to the expenditures. I Minister Ell. will use an example from the budget for fiscal year 2013-14. There was a new Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank community freezer in Kugaaruk with a you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank my total cost of approximately $206,400. colleague for asking about that issue. Igloolik also received a new community Perhaps through your role as the freezer with a total cost of $391,486. For Chairman, we can provide that Rankin Inlet’s request for a community information at a later date once the freezer, the feasibility study ended up report has been compiled. We can’t costing $24,010. provide it now, but once the information is ready, we can provide it to the As to the amounts not expended, perhaps members. Thank you. my deputy minister can provide that level of detail. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. We will expect that information when it’s ready. Mr. Joanasie. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. If you are able to elaborate on the Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank details, Mr. Suvega. you, Mr. Chairman. Indeed, we will welcome that information that the Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, minister will provide as it will assist us Mr. Chairman. Based on the information to understand the issues. we have on the proposals, there haven’t been any denials. Nonetheless, there are Another question relates to whether or many communities that have identified not this issue has been taken into the need, but they haven’t been able to consideration in light of the Baffin forward their proposals to our Island caribou moratorium. As an department. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. example, I wonder if this can be your first priority in the Baffin region
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2373 communities to provide funding to Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank procure country foods. Can the you, Mr. Chairman. My Deputy department take this idea into Minister, Mr. Suvega, can respond to consideration? Thank you, Mr. this question. Thank you. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. Suvega. Mr. Joanasie. Minister Ell. Mr. Suvega (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Mr. Chairman. This will be for the you, Mr. Chairman. The communities operations, field development are able to request funding assistance corporations such as Nunavut Tourism only if the local organizations are going and Nunavut Arts and Crafts to hand out country foods within their Association, and also looking for staff community. There is wording stating and services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that country food that is specifically towards local consumption and that will Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. be shared amongst residents is eligible Mr. Joanasie. for this funding assistance. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can you identify Chairman: Qujannamiiktauq, Hon. how many staff members will be added? Minister. Mr. Joanasie. Will you add PYs or not and, if so, how many? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect to the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. leftover funds, I seriously doubt it would (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. be used to ship caribou meat outside of Baffin Island. Sorry, I was joking there. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There will be some Nonetheless, I’ll move to another subject increases. These funds are being related to tourism. Under (interpretation proposed for a lot of things. If he’s ends) divisional operations asking about community tourism or (interpretation) on page 184, which you cultural industries, it will assist the also referenced in your opening communities and the sites where tourists comments, the line item has been can visit. There will be maps with increased by $620,000 for the information about the surrounding (interpretation ends) divisional landmarks, training of the guides, operations, (interpretation) if I am not heritage sites, and on Inuit culture. That mistaken. Let me first ask for further has to be promoted, not to mention the clarification on this line item, Mr. trails that people can walk on because Chairman. Thank you. they would be different in each community. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Hon. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Minister Ell. Mr. Joanasie.
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Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank their O&M or core funding. We want you, Mr. Chairman. I didn’t seem to get them to look more into hiring Inuit for the response I was looking for, whether the future with an Inuit employment plan or not they’re going to hire more staff. and also try to be more visible in That was my question, if you can Nunavut. That would be the purpose of respond to that. Thank you, Mr. the extra funding that they are asking Chairman. for. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. Minister Ell. Moving on. Mr. Hickes.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. There will be one I’ve got a few questions here. In one of person hired for the Nunavut Film the responses to Mr. Joanasie’s question Development Corporation. Thank you, regarding new employees, just for Mr. Chairman. clarification, was that specifically just to Nunavut Film or was that for all the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. tourism programs, the one new PY? Mr. Joanasie. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. you too for the response. Let me move on to something else. For the Nunavut Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Arts and Crafts Association, there’s an you, Mr. Chairman. There would be one increase of $100,000. The two person hired for the Nunavut Film communities that I represent are very group. That’s what the intention of that well known for their artists. Can you funding is for. The actual main estimates describe what your department will do are for many things in the cultural sector with the $100,000 in respect to the two and programming for artists. It’s also for communities that I represent? Thank them to set up strategic priorities. They you, Mr. Chairman. will look for other things that they can do in the future. That’s what the money Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. will be used for. Thank you, Mr. Minister Ell. Chairman.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. In regard to your Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. community, in the past in Cape Dorset, I believe it was in 1998 when it was first Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. brought out. The Nunavut Arts and Under that same category, the Nunavut Crafts Association was created. We Film, Television, and New Media know that Cape Dorset is the longest Program, how many employees are running carving community. That currently employed under that program? funding of $400,000 is an increase of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. $100,000 that NACA usually gets for
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. about Nunavut Film. If I heard correctly Minister Ell. through the response to one of Mr. Joanasie’s questions, you said that Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank there’s another PY that’s going to be you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for added to that program. I was under the asking that question. Right now, there is impression during your previous answer just one person working there and if this that there already was one PY under the proposal goes through, there will be two Nunavut Film category and that you are employees with an addition of one. adding one to make it two PYs. Thank Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. I would like to go down to the line item, Chairman. Nunavut Film would get one again that Mr. Joanasie I believe raised, person year and Tourism and Cultural the $1.55 million for the Community Industries would get two person years. Tourism and Cultural Industries Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Program. It goes from a zero budget to a little over one and a half million. Are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, there PYs associated with that program Minister Ell, for clarifying that. Mr. as well? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hickes.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes: Thank you for that Minister Ell. clarification, Minister Ell. My apologies if I made it confusing in my questions. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That is the program I was Within the category of the community referring to in the earlier question. tourism and cultural industries, it speaks Maybe Mr. Hickes can elaborate a bit to “strengthens community infrastructure more in his earlier question, as I may and readiness for tourism and enhances have been referring to the wrong line economic development” in different item. When he was asking earlier for sectors. Now, is this done in partnership positions, I was referring to the with Culture and Heritage? When we are Community Tourism and Cultural looking at community infrastructure Industries Program funding for from a cultural standpoint or historic $1,550,000 in my earlier answer. Thank sites, doing infrastructure investment, you, Mr. Chairman. I’m just wondering: is there a partnering of dollars? It’s a brand-new budget, so Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, it’s safe to assume it’s a brand-new Minister. Mr. Hickes. initiative.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Where I’m getting at is: what kind of My apologies if I’m all over the board collaboration has been done with the on this one. Previously I was asking Department of Culture and Heritage to
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2376 identify which sites have the most tourist Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. attraction as well as the highest need for I thank Mr. Suvega for that response; it further investment? Thank you, Mr. kind of leads to where I was going. If Chairman. there is one and a half million dollars… .
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Let me take just one step back, Mr. Mr. Hickes. (interpretation ends) Hon. Chairman, if you will indulge me. We Minister. are getting all confused with the PYs associated with some of these programs. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Are there any PYs associated with the Chairman. I would just like to clarify. Community Tourism and Cultural Nunavut Tourism would get those two Industries Program? Thank you, Mr. person years that I was just referring to. Chairman.
I will ask Mr. Suvega to answer Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hickes’ question. Thank you, Mr. Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Mr. Suvega. Chairman. No.
Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. If we are talking specifically about She said, “No.” Mr. Hickes. infrastructure, it can be rather complex, but the critical partners that we are Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. talking to would be folks like Culture Again just for clarification, this program and Heritage, Parks Canada, Transport is a departmental run program unlike Canada, DFO, Inuit organizations, and Nunavut Tourism, as an example, which communities. It really depends on what is an arm’s-length entity that runs the type of infrastructure you’re looking at. program dollars, just for clarification. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Cruise ships is something that has picked up in terms of activity recently, so it’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. critical to have conversations with Can you please explain that, Minister groups and organizations like Ell. communities, hunters and trappers organizations, and Inuit organizations on Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank the types of access and activities that you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, that statement these tourist groups are proposing. is true. Thank you.
All of it depends on the type of activity Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. and the critical conversations we need to Mr. Hickes. have with various stakeholders. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. While we are on PYs, if we’re adding Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, two PYs to Nunavut Tourism right now, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Hickes. how many existing PYs are there
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2377 currently right now before this budget is Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. approved? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. There are a total of 12 positions, including part-time employees Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, at the visitor centre here in Iqaluit and in Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. Cambridge Bay, of which five are Inuit beneficiaries. For Nunavut Tourism, Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank there are a total of seven staff positions you, Mr. Chairman. We are looking for in the headquarters here in Iqaluit, one of that answer right now. Right now, there whom is a beneficiary, and there are nine are seven PYs. Thank you, Mr. visitor centre staff, four of which are Chairman. full-time staff, two are beneficiaries, two part-time beneficiary staff, and three Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. summer students, of which two are Mr. Hickes. beneficiaries.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As an example of the Iqaluit visitor I’m just going through the Blues from centre, one would be a manager, a senior yesterday with some of the responses information counsellor, and a part-time and it’s kind of leading me to more information counsellor. They work all questions. year, evenings and weekends, including a beneficiary, and then in the summer, I understand there has been a challenge there are three summer students, of with identifying numbers. I’m just trying which two are beneficiaries. Thank you, to see the exact response and how it was Mr. Chairman. responded to, but if I recall correctly, there has been a challenge in tracking Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the numbers of tourists. One of the Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. staffing positions that are being looked at is to assist with the tracking of that Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. information that seems to have been a I believe one of my cousins was one of challenge to get. those summer students last year with tourism. From what I understand, she With the seven PYs with Nunavut had a lot of fun working there. Tourism right now… . Again, I am fairly new to the tourism side of things, so I One of the focuses that was mentioned don’t really know how a tourist office in one of your responses earlier, I can’t should work for a jurisdiction the size of recall if it was from the minister or one Nunavut. We are a very large territory. of her witnesses, is that current training Are these positions based in an office or for outfitters and people in the tourism are they scattered around the territory in industry is done through Nunavut different communities? Thank you, Mr. Tourism, or is it done through the Chairman. Department of Economic Development? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Ell.
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Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. type of training and activity that takes Chairman. It’s mostly through Nunavut place. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Tourism, but it can be both. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Hickes. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess that’s kind of where I was going Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. with my question. Hiring a training In addition to the conference and coordinator, to me, it means that there’s meeting recruiter, in one of the a bunch of trainers that are in place that responses was a training coordinator to need to be coordinated or different work with operators and different training programs that need to be communities to identify gaps in training. coordinated. Again, I don’t understand Out of the seven PYs that are located in the tourism industry inside and out. I Iqaluit, how many of those are currently was just looking for some type of used as trainer positions? Thank you, clarification or maybe the minister is Mr. Chairman. able to just convince me that the need for a coordinator of training is so Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, desperately needed that we’re looking at Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. increasing the budget so substantially. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’ll ask Deputy Minister Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Suvega to answer that question. Thank Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. you. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Mr. Suvega. Chairman. The increase in funding for Nunavut Tourism for the 2015-16 fiscal Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. year does include the hiring of a training It depends on the type of activity and the coordinator position. This position training taking place at the time. There would work with the tourism operators have been projects in the past where in the communities and the communities individual staff have been tasked to would help identify what training needs undertake certain training. We’re always they require and also identify major gaps looking to try and go after resources and in training needs that might be made funding for new training initiatives. available to them and determine the available funding sources, as I said An example would be something like earlier. They would help to identify certification in small vessel operation, either RIA money, IIBA money, or other but it also depends on the types of monies that could be made available to partnerships we can strike with, for them, other funding sources, so that they example, federal departments and/or could increase the tourism in their agencies, even industry and/or the communities. They would help private sector. It really depends on the coordinate those resources in order for
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2379 them to achieve the training results that for the last four years of funding in one they desire. year with such a substantial increase.
The funding, as I said, also is to hire a My next question would be: as Nunavut conference and meeting recruiter. One Tourism currently trains outfitters and other thing that I didn’t mention earlier hotel operators and such, according to a is the additional funding would also help response yesterday, that have to deal smaller operators properly develop with tourism in Nunavut, what are some tourism packages that will help create of the identified gaps right now? I don’t opportunities for participation of think we need a review or a report if Nunavummiut in the sector at the there are people out in the field, and I’m community level, the opportunity to sure your officials have had discussions engage with tourists who are interested with Nunavut Tourism and identified in a Nunavut experience, and can enjoy how these funds, if approved, are going means of earning wages by that way to be utilized to maximize the tourism while still permitting people to support a industry in Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. more traditional lifestyle or augmenting Chairman. income from other artistic endeavours, such as carving, sewing, or cultural Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, activities. Mr. Hickes. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. This funding would help build stronger Nunavut-based operators and prevent the Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank erosion of tourism efforts whereby you, Mr. Chairman. My Deputy southern-based operations remove Minister, Mr. Suvega, will respond to potential wealth from the territory, the question. Thank you. leaving only marginal returns to the few Nunavut residents who are only able to Chairman: Mr. Suvega. secure positions as a short term. As needed, support staff from tourism Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. would assist in that. As I said earlier, Some of the known gaps can be things Nunavut Tourism has had no increase in such as industry standards, whether they funding for the last four years. Thank be hospitality or guide and tourism you, Mr. Chairman. outfitting. There are also some more recent ones such as regulatory and Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, legislative gaps that are starting to be Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. highlighted on things like cruise ships, for example, or park visitations on both Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. territorial and federal type parks, and I acknowledge there hasn’t been an also the types of resources that are on the increase for tourism. Personally I think ground in the communities or with the that it’s a challenging endeavour for various partners and stakeholders. Nunavut with the cost of travel and everything to get here. I can understand Again, it depends on the type of activity. some of the challenges that are going on. It also points to the need to have that It almost looks like we are catching up critical conversation with a variety of
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2380 stakeholders to ensure that as a group align the industry going forward, and collectively, they are prepared going perhaps use that as a decision-making forward on how they mitigate the types tool in future fiscal years on how and of activities that they are willing to take when to allocate resources or whether on or not willing to take on. Thank you, that could be used to determine to go Mr. Chairman. after additional resources in different areas. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Mr. Hickes. One of them could be things like legislative or regulatory gaps amongst Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. the various stakeholders or it could be With good timing, there seems to have with some of the gaps in resources on been an announcement just made the ground in communities or with local yesterday with CanNor increasing some tour operators. Thank you, Mr. funding, according to the article, in the Chairman. amount of funding for tourism in the amount of $802,800 over a two-year Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. period. It talks that this is going to a Mr. Suvega. Mr. Hickes. community tourism project. Maybe if the minister could just elaborate on which Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. project that funding is being allocated to. Are these federal dollars going Thank you, Mr. Chairman. specifically right to Economic Development and Transportation or are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, they going with some caveat? I’m sure, Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. with federal money, there is always some conditions on reporting that they Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. be spent in the tourism sector. If that’s Chairman. I thank the member for that clear, Mr. Chairman. question. As this is just coming out, we do have little information. I’ll ask Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Suvega to answer that question. Thank Minister Ell. you. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman: Mr. Suvega. you, Mr. Chairman. These funds will go more towards (interpretation ends) Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Economic Development and The various types of partners are fairly Transportation (interpretation) and some good at trying to spread the dollar out as will go towards tourism. Thank you, Mr. much as they can and utilize as much Chairman. they can from multiple partners. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. An activity like this could be used to try Mr. Hickes. and capture things like visitor exit surveys going forward, which would be Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. a very useful tool to try and gather Out of the Economic Development and information and data on how we best Transportation’s component of this new
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2381 money funding, the $715,500, for Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. tourism across the territory, I’m Minister Ell. assuming all these monies get pooled together. How much of this funding is Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. going to stay within the department and Chairman. That’s spread over two years. how much is going to be put out to Thank you. programs such as Nunavut Tourism? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Hickes. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know it is an election year for the Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. federal government, so they sometimes Chairman. For funding such as these, have their chequebook fairly handy, but typically 10 percent goes to with this $802,000 from the federal administration and the rest to the government, was that provided under a department. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. proposal or did they approach the department with money left over in their Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, budget that they are looking to spend? Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, With this $715,500 that is being Mr. Hickes. Minister Ell. contributed by Economic Development and Transportation, under what budget Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. line would those dollars come from? Chairman. It was a proposal. Thank you, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes.
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. The funding would go to Within the proposal, there is always a Cultural Tourism and Industries. Thank request to outline what specific goals are you, Mr. Chairman. going to be accomplished. I understand, through Nunavut Tourism, they’ve got Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. some components that you’ve listed Mr. Hickes. already with some of your responses. What are the department’s goals out of Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. these dollars to measure success or to I think I just have one more question on measure growth in the tourism industry? that specific amount. With the $715,500, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. is that an annual contribution or is that spread over the two years like the federal Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. money? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Ell.
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Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman. Nunavut Tourism to achieve you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank my their goals is through the Sivumut colleague. There are nine visitor centres Abluqta and Tunngasaiji, the Tourism in the communities. Thank you, Mr. Strategy for Nunavummiut. Economic Chairman. Development and Transportation works in partnership with Nunavut Tourism to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, help achieve those goals that are in the Minister Ell. I’m sorry. Mr. strategy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mikkungwak.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. Thank you very much. Not all staff are working in the visitor centre. For Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. example, in Baker Lake, some tourists Was the Tourism Strategy accompanied go up the river by boat and they take with the proposal to CanNor for this some of the tourists up the river. As I funding? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. stated yesterday, we have two Heritage Rivers in Baker Lake, Savvaqtuuq and Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Kangirjuaq, the Thelon River and Kazan Minister Ell. River. (interpretation ends) From time to time, we do see canoeist that are from Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. either Europe or from Germany or Chairman. Yes. somewhere. Would Nunavut Tourism look after this portion in that essence? Chairman: Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mikkungwak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Ell. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would like to welcome the minister and Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. her officials. I say “hello” to Chairman. It would depend on whether Nunavummiut and the people of Baker the tourists were seeking information Lake. from the visitor centre. The additional funding that we’re asking for would help Nunavut Tourism has staff in Iqaluit. Is smaller operators such as that properly there a staff position for advertising develop tourism packages if that is what Nunavut attractions? There are 25 they needed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. communities in Nunavut. Do they have staff in all the communities right now? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, That’s my first question. Thank you, Mr. Minister Ell. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Ell. thank the minister for that response. Looking at Nunavut Tourism, my
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2383 question is a bit long, so I will just start Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, off with my preamble. Minister Ell. (interpretation ends) With that, I have made an executive decision In Baker Lake, there are two Heritage to take a five-minute break. Rivers and we are inland people. My (interpretation) Thank you. colleague who is sitting beside me lives in Gjoa Haven and I know that he has to >>Committee recessed at 16:43 and advertise Gjoa Haven and they could use resumed at 16:49 the old ship as their attraction. Pangnirtung has their mountains. We Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. have various attraction sites in our We are now back. We are on page K-5. communities. We also have cultural Branch Summary. Economic people who perform for the tourists. Development and Transportation. Economic Development. Total Sometimes we see the east coast people Operations and Maintenance, to be on TV. They have advertisements about Voted. $27,659,000. Do you agree? their province. Have you ever considered, as a department, to make Some Members: Agreed. sure that we at least advertise Nunavut to the public out there? Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman. Ms. Angnakak.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Committee Motion 002 – 4(2): Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Invitation to Nunavut Tourism to Hon. Minister. Appear Before the Standing Committee on Oversight of Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Government Operations and Chairman. The additional funding would Public Accounts (Angnakak) help to attract tourism destinations. That would be for their activities and their Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. products. It would help the communities Chairman. I move that this committee by providing them with excellent tourist recommends that representatives from services through a well-trained Nunavut Tourism be invited to appear workforce and start strong marketing before the Standing Committee on campaigns that are essential for Nunavut Oversight of Government Operations to capture a fair share of the tourist and Public Accounts to publicly account dollars. in detail for the association’s expenditures, activities, and initiatives. Nunavut Tourism works within the four Thank you, Mr. Chairman. pillars that are identified in the Tourism Strategy, which includes education, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, training, partnerships, and products. The Ms. Angnakak. Can I have a copy of the products could be part of marketing. motion brought forward to the table, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. please.
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The motion is in order and we will Additionally, if the motion is carried and proceed. Before we proceed with debate the matter is before the review of the on motion, I have a few comments to Committee of the Whole. That is when it make as to procedures. Every member would be finalized. has a right to speak once to the motion for a total time of 20 minutes. The Are there any comments to the motion? I mover of the motion speaks first. The could now hold a vote. All those in mover of the motion has a right to the favour, please raise your hand. Thank last reply, which closes the debate. To you. It is unanimously carried. Thank the motion. Ms. Angnakak. you.
Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. We will proceed with our consideration Chairman. I moved this motion because on page K-6. Mr. Keyootak. I feel that Nunavut Tourism is a very important entity in Nunavut and having Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank them come before the standing you, Mr. Chairman. Yesterday, in her committee on oversight of operations opening statements, she had stated the and public accounts will give all of us a $500,000 for small craft harbours. My better understanding about their mandate first question is if it’s just for one small and about what they are doing in each of craft harbour. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. our communities. Having them here, we will be able to ask them direct questions Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, and get a better understanding of what Mr. Keyootak. Minister Ell. has been accomplished over the last few years. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is for all the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, communities. Ms. Angnakak. To the motion, any comments? Minister Ell. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Keyootak. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I think I can only Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank vote when I am sitting in my chair. you, Mr. Chairman. When I was running for election, I had stated to the My question is: ever since they started, communities that I would be working on did you want a report or which fiscal trying to get them small craft harbours, year are you asking for that you are which is very important to the two seeking information on? Thank you, Mr. communities that I represent. Are the Chairman. small craft harbours in any business plan for these two communities? Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Ell. You will be able to exercise your vote from your seat, even though Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you are at the witness table. Mr. Keyootak. Minister Ell.
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Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. They could be, if Minister Ell. Mr. Hickes. they make request or proposal. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Along the same lines with the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. transportation policy and planning, and Mr. Keyootak. like the minister just stated, that extra $1 million is mostly for roads, what is the Mr. Keyootak (interpretation): Thank department’s long-term marine you, Mr. Chairman. This has been infrastructure plan? I’m not talking discussed and brought up by my about great big ports or anything like community. It’s unfortunate that we that we wish they had built in Iqaluit, but didn’t have an MLA for a long time, so just basic docks and protected waters for we were really behind in different personal use craft. things. That is why I wanted to ask questions under Transportation. My I have spoken to a number of people and constituency would really like to hear there are some pretty pricey boats out any information they can regarding there that people use for hunting, small craft harbours. I just heard from camping, and travelling from community the minister that if they make a proposal, to community. In some families, that’s they could be considered. Thank you, the most valuable asset they have and Mr. Chairman. not all communities have a basic dock or a basic breakwater or protected waters. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, I’m just wondering: what is the Mr. Keyootak. I am not sure if you department’s long-term strategy to meet actually asked a question, but Minister some of these objectives across the Ell may comment if she likes. Minister whole territory? Thank you, Mr. Ell. Chairman.
Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. you, Mr. Chairman. These funds are Minister Ell. trying to be increased by $1 million. It was $500,000 in the 2014-15 budget and Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. it was used just for roads, but the Small Chairman. I’ll ask Mr. Stevens, the Craft Harbours Program can be included Assistant Deputy Minister in charge of in that now. transportation, to answer that question. Thank you. For example, in Qikiqtarjuaq, they used $30,000 from these funds in 2014. I’m Chairman: Mr. Stevens. just using this for example. Sometimes there are big boulders that need to be Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. removed at the beach during low tide. Our strategy for marine infrastructure is They make it flatter so that the boats can basically to see basic marine easily go in and out. That’s what it’s infrastructure comprising breakwaters, mainly used for, to get boulders out of improved beaches, and that type of thing the bay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. in every community. We continue to
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2386 advocate the need with the federal Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Stevens. government, I would suggest, in every Mr. Hickes. venue and every possible discussion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate that, actually. I read that Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Stevens. somewhere and it filed off into the Mr. Hickes. wrong memory bank. I appreciate the obligation that the federal government Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. does have and I just wish you well in We have heard numerous times, your endeavours. Thank you very much, whenever we’re short money or need Mr. Chairman. major infrastructure investments, we go to the federal government and we lobby Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. for money. I know that’s not going to That was just a comment. stop and I know we’re going to have (interpretation) Thank you. Mr. flashes of success here and there, but to Mikkungwak. me, asking the feds on one specific project overarching the whole Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): government, with all of our Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I infrastructure needs, may not be the only welcome the minister and her officials. I strategy that we can utilize. believe we’re on page K-6, but my questions are on the business plan, page I’m wondering: have there been other 197, the 2014-15 priorities, fourth bullet. communications at the cabinet level of maybe looking at increasing funding for Last year, I asked about the GPS smaller scale community infrastructure systems. I don’t have a date when I staged over a period of years? Thank asked the question, but I would like to you, Mr. Chairman. get some information. Representing Baker Lake, I asked questions as an Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. MLA. I was told that I would be given a Minister Ell. letter in response, but I didn’t receive it.
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. You work with the federal government, Chairman. I’ll ask Mr. Stevens to answer NAV Canada, and Nunavut Airports. that question. The first question I would like to ask is: where exactly is Baker Lake in this Chairman: Mr. Stevens. regard? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Some of our advocacy is relative to the Minister Ell. statutory requirements for the federal government to provide this infrastructure Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank and that’s why we spent a lot of time you, Mr. Chairman. Since you last asked promoting it with them. Thank you, Mr. the questions, I would like my Assistant Chairman. Deputy Minister, Mr. Stevens, to respond to that. Thank you.
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Chairman: Mr. Stevens. months, but the airport will need to be fixed up. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have initiated the preliminary design Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. work for GPS approach for Baker Lake Mr. Mikkungwak. and the relative other improvements that have to go along with that. Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. The Hamlet of Baker Lake and the community has been Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Stevens. pushing hard to get this. Will Baker Mr. Mikkungwak. Lake have to make another proposal for this or is the work already in progress? Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Thank you for the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. response. When would that initially Minister Ell. start? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. We will have to finish the Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) design work before we can go further on Hon. Minister. the discussion. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It just started. Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. Minister Ell. Mr. Mikkungwak.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman. Once the design work has been completed, will there be a delay in Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): the planning stages for the construction Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the or would all the appropriate proposals or minister for her response. If this is being contribution agreements have to be worked on, how long are they planning completed before the actual to work on it? If the GPS approach construction? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. system is going to be installed in the community, are they going to be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. installing them in one year or two years? Minister Ell. Can you explain that, please. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the member for that Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. question. We would have to source the Minister Ell. work for that to move forward. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It will take about six Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Mikkungwak.
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Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. approach for the runway and with all Chairman. On that fourth bullet in the that, I understand that the minister has status, it also indicates NAV Canada. seen our terminal building with a Would that be a joint funding proposal? number of other ministers that were able Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to come to my community. The actual terminal building in Baker Lake, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. according to the information and I have Minister Ell. seen the plaque at the terminal building, was completed on May 16, 1983. Would Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. that terminal building be renovated or Chairman. I’ll ask Mr. Stevens to answer upgraded with the GPS approach system that question. Thank you. being constructed? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Stevens. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. as well. Minister Ell. Any improvements required for GPS approach would be sourced through GN Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. and/or Transport Canada funding Chairman. No, that would not be part of through their ACAP program. Thank the project. Thank you. you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Stevens. Are you done? Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the instrument package, Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. would that not require any upgrades for Chairman. With that ACAP funding, the people who are monitoring the would that initiate all the upgrades flights coming in or monitoring the necessary so that GPS approach is flights going out from the terminal constructed within the community of building? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Baker Lake’s airport? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Minister. Minister Ell. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will ask Mr. Stevens to Chairman. Yes. answer that question. Thank you.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Chairman: Mr. Stevens. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. The initiation of a GPS approach would Chairman. I thank the minister for the be independent of any ATB response. When I look at the GPS requirements. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Stevens. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Rumbolt. Minister Ell.
Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Thank you for the direct responses. Now Chairman. The study for the old air I would like further information. The air terminal building for Sanikiluaq has terminal building that is used for people been done. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. who are travelling is really old. As I stated earlier, it was built on May 16, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. 1983. Sometimes it gets too cramped Mr. Rumbolt. and it gets too cold. I would like to know if it’s going to be on any future Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. considerations for capital projects. Chairman. I thank the minister for her Thank you, Mr. Chairman. update. If we move on to priorities for 2015-16 and again, priorities for 2016- Chairman (interpretation): Mr. 17, they both say conduct and complete Mikkungwak, the question you are planning toward the removal of these trying to ask has more to do with capital buildings. If your study is done, why do expenditures, so if you can rephrase your we need another two years of planning question or ask a different question. Are and preparation to remove the building? you done? Thank you. Mr. Rumbolt. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Chairman. Before I ask my question, Minister Ell. I’ve got to go back in history a little bit. When I was elected in 2008, one of my Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. priorities was to have the old abandoned Chairman. There are other old airport airport terminal in Sanikiluaq removed. I terminal buildings in other communities have questioned the previous minister that still require a study, but currently for many times and in many letters, and still Sanikiluaq, the department is preparing a the building is there today. It seems I am funding request to cover the having more success with new decommissioning. Thank you, Mr. infrastructure than I am getting rid of old Chairman. infrastructure. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Anyways, in your priorities for 2014-15, Minister Ell. Mr. Rumbolt. it stated that you were conducting planning work for remediation and Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. removal or demolishing airport terminal Chairman. When can we expect this buildings in Qikiqtarjuaq, Coral funding proposal will be put forward and Harbour, Nanisivik, Sanikiluaq, and when can we actually see some actual Resolute Bay. In particular, I’m just work happening in the community to going to ask about my own community. have this building removed? Thank you, Up until this fiscal year, 2014-15, what Mr. Chairman. planning has been done to date? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. have to be shipped south? Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Rumbolt. Chairman. We can expect that to be in Minister Ell. the capital estimates for the fall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We don’t have any licensed Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. facilities in Nunavut. Therefore, the Mr. Rumbolt. asbestos would have to be sent south. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know one of the issues and Chairman: Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. the reason it’s taking so long to have this Mapsalak. building removed is because I think there is asbestos in the building. When Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank the time comes to remove the building, you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to refer how will this asbestos be disposed of? back to the question that was posed by Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Keyootak and the minister’s response that there will be an increase of Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ell. $1 million that we can access by way of a request. Can that money be used for Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. roads? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I’ll ask Mr. Stevens to answer that question. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Ell. Chairman: Mr. Stevens. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Mr. Stevens: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, it was The decommissioning study just alludes $500,000. With your approval, we will to the asbestos being delivered to a add another $1 million and you can licensed facility. At this time, I don’t access it for roads. Over and above that, have the location of that, but I can get it could also include the small craft that information if the member requires harbours. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. it. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister Ell. Mr. Mapsalak. Mr. Stevens. Mr. Rumbolt. Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): You Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. have already responded to a question I Chairman. When you talk about a wanted to ask, but the two communities licensed facility, if you could explain that I represent, Repulse Bay and Coral that a little bit, please, and whether we Harbour, use a lot of this money that is have licensed facilities to accept this made available for building roads. It is kind of material in Nunavut or will it very useful and beneficial to the communities. There is a high
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2391 unemployment rate in our community. It happening there right now. Thank you, also benefits and is utilized with the Mr. Chairman. small amount of tourists received. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. If we make a request, is there a cap to Mr. Mapsalak. how much money we can access from this pot of money if we are going to use Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank it for roads? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. It’s called (interpretation ends) the North Pole Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. River. (interpretation) We are trying to Minister Ell. build a road up to that river. We call it Niaqunnguut in Inuktitut. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would also like to In the other community, they have a very thank the member for his question. At long road in Coral Harbour. You can this time, if there is an increase in the drive for at least five hours and just keep funds, one community can access up to going. Because they have accessed very $100,000. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. little money, it has taken a long time to build that road. Even $100,000 is not Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, enough to complete the building of the Minister. Mr. Mapsalak. road. If there is a cap of $100,000, would it be possible for the communities Mr. Mapsalak (interpretation): Thank to ask for more money or to access more you, Mr. Chairman. We use quite a lot of money from that pot if there is a surplus money for building roads and access in that fiscal year? Is it possible to do roads because of the benefits it provides that? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to the community. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. In the other community, the road that Minister Ell. they are building has been stopped because it has to be inspected first. They Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank have to survey the land prior to you, Mr. Chairman. All communities continuation of the building of the road. make requests for money from that pot Can we use that money for surveys such of money. With the program currently at as that? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. $500,000, the previous cap was $50,000 for each community. Therefore, if we Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. increase that by $1 million, each Minister Ell. community would then be eligible for up to $100,000. Most communities usually Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank request this cap. Thank you, Mr. you, Mr. Chairman. In Repulse Bay, Chairman. there’s the (interpretation ends) North Star Road. (interpretation) They are not Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. asking for funds from that program. We Minister Ell. We will proceed then. Mr. are not sure what is going to be Savikataaq.
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Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. cards. If it’s used for that, will the people Chairman. I just have a few questions. who go in for general identification One is on a topic that is talked about a cards be able to walk in and walk out lot, the Motor Vehicle Information with their card? Thank you. System, MVIS, I think it’s called. I would just like to ask the minister if all Chairman (interpretation): Thank you of the hardware, software, equipment, very much. Minister Ell. everything is purchased now. Thank you. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. They would be able to walk Chairman (Mr. Mikkungwak) out with a temporary document. Thank (interpretation): Thank you very much. you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Ell. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. very much. Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman. The request for proposals has been prepared and it is currently being Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. advertised. It is set to close on Friday, Chairman. Can the minister explain March 27, 2015. Thank you, Mr. document? From previously questioning Chairman. the previous minister, I know that the driver’s licence will still be outsourced Chairman (interpretation): Thank you and they still have to be mailed in from very much. Mr. Savikataaq. out of Nunavut, but I thought that the general identification cards would be Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. able to be a walk in and walk out. Thank Chairman. I was under the understanding you. that this would all be operational in the 2014-15 fiscal year. Was I mistaken? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Thank you. very much. Minister Ell.
Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ell. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The document would look Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. like a GIC and it would look like the real Chairman. Under the 2014-15 capital card, but the actual card would come estimates, targets were $2.8 million and after. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. was proposed for 2014-15, $1.2 million in 2015-16, and $500,000 for 2016-17. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Thank you, Mr. Chairman. very much. Mr. Savikataaq.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. very much. Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman. I will just go on to a different topic now about airports and GPS Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. approaches too. The minister informed Chairman. Just for the information of the my counterpart that they are working on audience, this equipment will also be Baker Lake’s GPS approach right now used to make general identification as we speak. I did ask your predecessor
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2393 before about this and was informed at Chairman (interpretation): Thank you the time that Arviat was going to be first very much. Minister Ell. one. I would like to ask the minister if Arviat is done. Thank you. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So we can follow the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you member, can I get clarity on the very much. Minister Ell. question? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Chairman. The Arviat Airport has a GPS very much. Please clarify your question, instrument approach procedure and Mr. Savikataaq. currently, NAV Canada is designing to improve the GPS/LPV instrument Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. procedures and should be published Chairman. I’m reading from the tabled August 2015. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. document from October 28, 2014, grants and contributions, tabled by the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Department of Finance, all the grants very much. Mr. Savikataaq. and contributions that this government has made in 2013-14. I don’t think there Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you very much, is a page number here, but under Mr. Chairman. I thank the minister for Economic Development and that because when I’m here for long time Transportation under grants, there is a and I’m on my way home, a missed numbered company that received approach just makes it that much longer. $500,000 under the Strategic It just makes it easier to get home, so I Investments Program. It states that it is a thank the minister for that. private business under the category. I would just like to know what the I have more questions, but they are on Strategic Investments Program is. Thank grants and contributions, if I would be you. allowed and if I’m not, then the Chairman will let me know. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Minister Ell. Going through these grants and contributions for 2013-14 because 2014- Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. 15, I believe, is not published yet, there Chairman. I don’t have Strategic are a couple of grants that I would just Investments Program briefing in front of like a little clarification on. There was me and I could get back to the member one for a numbered company that is for on the details of that program. Thank $500,000, it’s a private business, and it you, Mr. Chairman. is under the Strategic Investments Program. I know there are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you confidentiality issues, but what are the very much. Mr. Savikataaq. strategic investment programs that a private numbered company can get half Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. a million dollars? Thank you. Chairman. I look forward to getting that because it just seems like red flags
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2394 should or might go up when it’s a Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. numbered company. Chairman. I’ll have Deputy Minister Mr. Suvega answer that question. Thank you. Staying on with grants, there is a number of municipalities that got grants under Chairman (interpretation): Thank you anti-poverty. It totals almost $900,000. very much. Mr. Suvega. There was one for the Municipality of Igloolik for $497,000 and a bit. I’m just Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. wondering if the minister can explain In terms of the funding provided through how other communities like Arviat can grants and contributions to businesses apply for half a million dollars in grants and organizations, we do have program for anti-poverty. Thank you. guidelines that are outlined and approved on our website. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Minister Ell. Specifically for the Strategic Investments Program, there are two Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. schedules to that, Nunavut Economic Chairman. It would depend on the Foundations Fund and Nunavut Equity application. The funding I believe he is Investment Fund. One would be for referring to was when anti-poverty was profit and the other one would be for a under the Economic Development non-profit. As for numbered companies, portfolio; it’s now under Family that depends on how the companies are Services. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. registered to do business within Nunavut. On the application amounts or Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. funding amounts, that depends on the applications and the conditions within Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. that program application. Chairman. I guess I will be asking Family Services because in 2013-14, We will have to perhaps ask for some almost $900,000 was given out to clarity on what specific amounts and municipalities for anti-poverty programs. numbered company you are referring to and we would be happy to get back to I have some more questions on some the member on them. Thank you, Mr. more companies that received funding Chairman. under the Strategic Investments Program, but I believe the minister said Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. that she doesn’t have that or she didn’t have it just for the numbered company Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. or for all of them. Clarity, please. Thank Chairman. I sort of get his explanation. I you. know he said that there is an application process for these companies and they get Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) money. Some of them are quite huge If you can explain that further, Minister amounts. It would be nice if we could Ell. get some information on what the money was going to be used for, like another column there. Was it used to make jobs?
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Was it used to bring in products to sell Chairman (interpretation): Thank you cheaper? very much. Minister Ell.
Some of the strategic investment Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. amounts are huge amounts. The Chairman. It would depend on which government gives out lots of money in type of application they’re providing to grants and contributions. We are and which program they’re requesting accountable to government public funding for. money. We don’t get to see it. I guess they get to see it. My short question The Government of Nunavut supports would be: do you check to see if you business development in the territory in actually get results for the money that five principle ways. It’s either through you have given companies and that they financial contributions for business actually do what they stated they were development projects; access to credit going to do? Thank you. for investment in business development projects; information and advice, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you including efforts to reduce the burden of very much. Minister Ell. red tape; support for business and trade associations; and preferential treatment Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. for Inuit and Nunavut business in Chairman. The grants and contributions, government contracting through the the way those programs work is that application of the NNI Policy. most of the time, contributions are provided to the various organizations or We also have $21.7 million that the businesses. Most of the time, they are department allocates through given a certain amount with a withheld contributions. That was in 2014-15 and [amount]. After a reporting period and if they were aimed at assisting small it’s satisfactory, then the withheld businesses, which includes the Small amount is given to the company. Thank Business Support Program of $823,000; you, Mr. Chairman. the Strategic Investments Program, a large part of $3.9 million; the Nunavut Chairman (interpretation): Thank you Business Credit Corporation, $600,000; very much. Mr. Savikataaq. business development centres, $1.5 million; and the Baffin Chamber of Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Commerce at $195,000. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just by looking at more Chairman. companies here, there is a company called Arctic Kingdom that received Chairman (interpretation): Thank you grants four times. I assume that you can very much. Mr. Savikataaq. apply as often as you want because this company received grants on four Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. different occasions. I guess a company Chairman. Do you have to be a can apply as often as they want. Thank registered business and do business in you. Nunavut to receive grants under your department? Thank you.
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Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ell. Again, it depends on what type of applications that applicants are seeking. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank We also try and look to partner with you, Mr. Chairman. Yes. other lending organizations to see if we can partner up or match up on dollars Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. that we can provide to various organizations and/or companies within Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Nunavut. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. I know Mr. Suvega touched on this a bit, but I didn’t get the gist of it. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Can he just explain what the Strategic Investments Program is? What is the Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. purpose of it? Thank you. Chairman. I heard the explanation. I’ll ask it simply. Can it be used to buy Chairman (interpretation): Thank you capital or does it have to be used just to very much. Minister Ell. create jobs or can it be used to buy a boat or help buy another restaurant or Hon. Monica El: Thank you, Mr. another hotel? What can it be used for? Chairman. I’ll ask Mr. Suvega to answer Thank you. that question. Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ell. Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Mr. The Strategic Investments Program is Suvega to respond. Thank you. largely aimed at the more mature business sector or business Chairman: Thank you. Mr. Suvega. organizations, both for profit and non- profit. It could be a municipal Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. corporation. It could be a not-for-profit Typically with the type and nature of hunters and trappers organization, just as this program, most times, I think new an example. organizations will utilize it for things like business start-up, match funding The types of projects that are starting to from other lending organizations. Again, surface throughout Nunavut, depending a lot of organizations that are, let’s say on the types of activities, are starting to for example, not-for-profit tend to look get more and more mature as at this program to augment some of their development starts to occur across the activities. It really depends on the types various economic sectors. Fisheries, for of applications that we receive. As I example, we’re starting to see some mentioned, it does touch across most, if pretty exciting things across the board. not all, economic sectors. Thank you, There are some tourism-related activities Mr. Chairman. as well and some business growth activities. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you very much. Mr. Savikataaq.
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Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ell. Chairman. I think he stated that it could be used for almost anything. Earlier, he Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank said that it was used for mature you, Mr. Chairman. I would like Ms. companies, but now he just stated that it Winmill to respond to that question. is for new start-ups. Can he just clarify Thank you. the statement? Thank you. Chairman: Thank you. Ms. Winmill. Chairman: Thank you. Minister Ell. Ms. Winmill: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank Chairman. The Strategic Investments you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to ask Program provides funding for a variety my colleagues if Tanya Winmill can go of things. to the witness table so that she can respond to the question and sit to the For example, the project that you were right of me. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. asking about earlier about the numbered company is actually the Arctic Haven Chairman: Does the committee agree Wilderness Lodge in Arviat. We have for the new official to enter the witness also funded for the purchase of a boat in table? another program. We have provided additional funding to support training in Some Members: Agreed. a wide array of fields throughout the territory. Rehabilitation work, for Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation): example, there was a company and their Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the new building didn’t pass the code, so we witness in and the other witness out. assisted them with partnering with lending organizations like the deputy Thank you very much. Mr. Savikataaq, minister alluded to previously. please repeat your question so that you can get your response. Mr. Savikataaq. There are many different projects that can be considered under this program Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. and looked at by the department. Thank Chairman. Ms. Winmill, welcome back. you, Mr. Chairman.
My question was, earlier Mr. Suvega Chairman (interpretation): Thank you said that the Strategic Investments very much. Mr. Savikataaq. Program is for mature companies and later on, he said it is for new start-ups. I Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. was asking on exactly what it can be Chairman. This numbered company that used for. Can it be used to buy capital is apparently in Arviat must be Arctic like a new boat, a hotel, a restaurant, or Haven. They’re well camouflaged, I’ll additions? I just want a general tell you. I live there and I don’t know description of what these funds can be about it. That’s just a comment. used for and what it is used for. Thank you. I think there would be fewer questions here if we knew exactly what this money
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2398 was being used for. The Minister of Chairman (Mr. Enook)(interpretation): Finance produces the report and he Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Minister Ell. tables it, the grants and contributions. Maybe through you, could I ask him if Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. he would be willing to add another Chairman. I agree. We are doing an RFP column for the next time that the grants this spring for the maintenance of the and contributions report comes out? causeway. I agree that Iqaluit has no Thank you. modern marine facility and requires one in order to provide safe anchorage for Chairman (interpretation): Thank you marine carriers. The work that we are very much. Minister Ell. proposing for this year is to do the upgrade for what is currently there. Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman. Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Than you. Chairman (interpretation): Are you Ms. Angnakak. done with your questions? Thank you very much. (interpretation ends) We are Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. on Economic Development and Chairman. I know that every year, an Transportation. Branch Summary. RFP goes out. Last year, it was very late. Transportation. Ms. Angnakak. It came out in mid-July and that was really unfortunate. People wanting to go Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. out boating had to really literally go over Chairman. I want to talk about boulders of rocks. I personally saw a transportation. I want to talk about the boat come right off of the trailer because limited marine infrastructure that we it was bouncing so much. I think it was have in Iqaluit. I don’t see it mentioned mentioned earlier that those are anywhere in the business plan, yet I significant investments that people have think everybody knows how much we in order to maintain their way of life and need better marine support for our going out hunting. I think we all like hunters and those who enjoy boating. that. What we do have is really inadequate. I don’t even want to call it a loading dock The thing that concerns is me is because because it’s basically just a gravel road there are so many boaters, and I’ll use kind of going down into the water. The the breakwater as an example, there are a causeway is almost unusable. lot of boaters and every summer, the number of boaters or boats needing to I’m wondering what plans the launch off or come back to Iqaluit are department has in regard to fixing that to growing. I know that personally, my where it’s actually usable. I know that husband and I have waited over an hour sometimes the department puts a few sometimes to get into the water. You are thousand dollars into it and throws down lining up and you are lining up through some gravel, but I think we need a lot that road right across from all the public more than that. Thank you, Mr. housing units. Chairman.
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The kids are everywhere. There are Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. trucks going back and forth. I think it Minister Ell. would be proactive of the department to really go and take a look now before an Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. accident is going to happen because of Chairman. We have met with the group the number of people and kids going that the member is talking about. We are back and forth with trucks. I think you always open to meeting anyone, really need to look at perhaps adding actually. I always have an open door another, I don’t know what you call that, approach and I can be approached at any launch pad or whatever because with time. only one, it creates a huge backup. We have discussed ways in which to Maybe if you want to meet with… . improve the work that is being done. There’s a group that has started in Iqaluit Instead of waiting for the fall, this year and I’m sorry I can’t remember the name we are putting an RFP out earlier in the of the group, but I have communicated spring. We have discussed ways in with them through Facebook. These which we can improve the work that is people are boaters who have the same done there. Also, we are working on concerns and they have been on their increasing the grants and contributions. own. You know, they volunteer and they Thank you, Mr. Chairman. go around the beach area to clean up and try to move a few rocks. It would be Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, good, I think, for your department to Minister Ell. Ms. Angnakak. meet with them and say, “How can we address some of your concerns?” Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Because you know what, I think some of Chairman. Can the minister share with those concerns are really doable; it just us what came about from those takes some organization. discussions with the group? What are the next steps? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Throwing $30,000 something, although that is a lot of money, every year, that’s Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. about the amount that goes towards Minister Ell. fixing up our limited marine infrastructure and I don’t think it’s Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank enough. You need to put more into that. you, Mr. Chairman. My deputy minister Instead of just putting gravel down, we met with this group and I would like him need to have something that will stay. to respond. Thank you.
I would just like your thoughts and your Chairman: Mr. Suvega. comments on that, and if you can ask your department to meet with this group Mr. Suvega: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. and with hunters or whoever wants to We were invited a few times and have meet to talk about this and also to actually sat down with the Facebook address the safety issue that I raised. group that was formed in town. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Although they are not a formally recognized not-for-profit organization
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2400 yet, I think that’s one of the things that Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. the group recognize that they will need Minister Ell. to do to maybe perhaps move towards things like next steps and identifying Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank some of the things that they want to go you, Mr. Chairman. We want to proceed after. with the regular things that we have, but we have room to consider. The fund that We have sat down with them on a few is available for Nunavut is only things to try and identify how we can $500,000, but if you approve this best go forward. We took some of their budget, it will increase. Thank you, Mr. suggestions in, such as getting out the Chairman. RFPs earlier for the maintenance of the marine facilities. We also talked a little Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, bit about things like safety. Having Minister. Ms. Angnakak. discussions with various other organizations such as the city will also Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. be critical in addressing some of those Chairman. Can the minister also look at safety concerns going forward. the safety issues, especially around the breakwater issue? Can you get This is very typical of the types of somebody to really go and assess that, conversations that departmental officials take a look and take pictures, to try and will have with communities. This isn’t come up with a different way of maybe unique to Iqaluit. There are quite a few how boats are being launched into the other communities that are starting to see water? With only one, it really does expanded growth in the number of create such a backlog and we don’t want personal boaters and the number of it to get it to the point where somebody vehicles that are growing all the time. gets really hurt because that’s going to We have committed to continuing to happen. We have a lot of kids there. It’s meet with not just the group here but all in a very busy area with the coffee shop the communities that do continue to right there. I really believe that it’s vital approach us on a regular basis. Thank to take a look at the safety issue there you, Mr. Chairman. too because it’s getting to that point. That’s all. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Suvega. Ms. Angnakak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Ms. Angnakak. Minister Ell. Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can I ask the minister or the Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank department what they’re planning this you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) year in regard to the RFP? What is it that Yes. you’re asking for? Are we asking for the same thing that we asked for last year to Chairman (interpretation): Moving on. throw down some gravel or are we doing Mr. Akoak. something a bit different this year? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Akoak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a question on page 197 of
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2401 your business plan on the Northern Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Aviation Scholarship. I think that’s a Chairman. This is for one student only, $5,000 scholarship. I’m just wondering $5,000. That’s the limit per student. if that’s used up or do you get six people Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that apply. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister. (interpretation ends) Mr. Minister Ell. Akoak is done. (interpretation) We’re on Economic Development and Hon. Monica Ell: Thank you, Mr. Transportation. Branch Summary. Chairman. If they’re pursuing an Transportation. Total Operations and aviation-related career in the north, they Maintenance, to be Voted. $28,516,000. can each receive 1 of 16 $5,000 Do you agree? scholarships. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Some Members: Agreed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Akoak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Let us go back to page K-3. Department Mr. Akoak: Thank you. Is that just Summary. Economic Development and within Nunavut or can they go outside of Transportation. Detail of Expenditures. Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Total Operations and Maintenance, to be Voted. $68,000,101. Do you agree? Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Ell. I’m sorry. Let me say it properly this time. Total Operations and Maintenance, Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank to be Voted. $68,101,000. Do you agree? you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) It’s for Nunavummiut who are pursuing Some Members: Agreed. aviation-related careers anywhere. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. My colleagues, do we agree that the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Department of Economic Development Mr. Akoak. and Transportation is concluded?
Mr. Akoak: The reason I got to this is Some Members: Agreed. because I had one of my constituents that tried and got the scholarship of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. $5,000 and he was short $10,000. He Minister, as we conclude your had to look for more funding from department, if you have any closing somewhere else. If that does ever comments, I give you the floor now. happen, I can now go back and ask for Minister Ell. more scholarship funding? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Monica Ell (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. my fellow MLAs for asking all the good Minister Ell. questions about our programs.
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I thank my officials for coming here and Some Members: Agreed. for being very helpful, as well as all the staff everywhere in the Department of Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Economic Development and Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the Transportation. witnesses in.
I would also like to thank George Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Kuksuk, the previous minister of the (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, department that I’m in now. Thank you, (interpretation) please introduce your Mr. Chairman. Thank you. witnesses. Minister.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Minister. Sergeant-at-Arms, please Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you escort the minister’s officials out. for welcoming us. To my left is Peter Ma, President of Nunavut Arctic As we proceed, perhaps we will take a College, and to my right is Marcelo 10-minute break to prepare for the next Parungao, Financial Comptroller. Thank department. We will return in 10 you, Mr. Chairman. minutes. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, >>Committee recessed at 18:09 and Minister. Welcome to the House. We resumed at 18:25 will now proceed. I first give you the opportunity to make your opening Bill 16 – Appropriation (Operations & comments, minister. Maintenance) Act, 2015-2016 – Nunavut Arctic College – Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Consideration in Committee Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues. I am pleased to present to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you members today Nunavut Arctic for coming back. I would now like to College’s 2015-16 main estimates and call the committee meeting to order. We business plan. will be dealing with Nunavut Arctic College. The minister is ready now. First As members know, as we fully know, of all, before we proceed, I would like to one of the priorities in Sivumut Abluqta ask Minister Quassa, do you have is self-reliance and optimism through officials that you would like to bring to education and training. That is the key to the table? Minister Quassa. starting it. Nunavut Arctic College has a key role in advancing this priority. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I do. The college’s total budget for 2015-16 is Thank you. $47.9 million, which is a $2.5 million increase from the 2014-15 total budget Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, of $45.4 million. The majority of this Minister. Does the committee agree to increase in our proposal, $1.8 million, is bring the minister’s officials in? from outside of the Nunavut government. Total third party funding
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2403 from outside the Nunavut government is The college has submitted a 2015-16 $11 million. The contribution from the funding proposal to the Government of Government of Nunavut of $32.6 million Canada. The three territorial colleges, in is slightly up from $32.2 million. The the fall of 2014, submitted a business balance of the college’s revenues is from case to the Government of Canada for tuition and other sources totalling $4.3 pan-territorial funding for industry million. training. It is anticipated that the Government of Canada will favourably The total number of PYs will increase receive this business case, which will from 211.6 to 224.6. Eight of the PYs replace adult basic education funding are a result of Nunavut government that is expiring in 2015-16. The Pan- funded third party agreements and out of territorial Framework for Industry that, five positions are funded through Training has been designed to respond to the Inuit Language Implementation Fund existing and emerging industry-specific and three are funded for the delivery of requirements across the north, with an the Early Childhood Education Program. emphasis on collaboration and capturing The remaining five positions are to efficiencies across the three territories. enhance student services. (interpretation) I had the opportunity in The college will continue to deliver its January to visit the trades and core programs, such as the Nunavut technology training centre, and I hope Teacher Education Program and the you understand what that means, in Bachelor of Arctic Nursing Program. For Rankin Inlet. It was good to see the the older adults who are too old to go to diversity of students attending classes in our schools and they want to pursue a variety of trades. Trades training further education, the Pathway to Adult continues to be an area of opportunity Secondary School (PASS) graduation for Nunavummiut to enter the workplace program will be expanding to additional because of the myriad of employment communities. opportunities after they complete their courses in Rankin Inlet. The college is (interpretation ends) Ongoing funding is continuing to expand its suite of a continual challenge for the college for programs where possible to provide even its non-base funded programs, such as more training possibilities. the Early Childhood Education Program and adult basic education programs. Our As members know, Piqqusilirivvik, in partner, the Government of Canada, is a addition to its facility in Clyde River, good partner, but either an annual has satellite operations in Igloolik and funding proposal is required or longer Baker Lake. We know that Nunavut is term multi-jurisdictional proposals are comprised of three regions. Efforts are needed to secure funding. The Early being made to identify opportunities to Childhood Education Program, which provide programming in the Kitikmeot includes an Inuit cultural component, region. will enhance the skill set and knowledge of daycare workers throughout Nunavut. The college has recognized that its students are becoming more of a computer age generation. This means
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2404 that the college needs to identify how to Inuit language and culture increase bandwidth capacity to increase curriculum; online course delivery. Distance learning has the advantage of allowing students to Provide consistent best practice stay in their communities to receive their based instruction; education. Provide a network of support, (interpretation ends) One of the goals of direction, and collaboration of Inuit the Government of Nunavut is to create language and culture personnel; a diversified workforce to meet the needs of communities and Maximize efficient use of human and Nunavummiut. As such, the college is physical resources; and looking into ways to expand its programming to provide appropriate Provide an actively maintained training in pubic administration, to accessible repository of resource increase not only the number of public materials. servants in management positions, but also to increase the likelihood of these (interpretation) As the college looks individuals reaching senior positions, towards the future, it needs to consider such as deputy heads. This also securing long-term non-Government of contributes to the Government of Nunavut funding sources which would Nunavut’s goal of achieving a address the ongoing funding challenges representative workforce under Article noted earlier. This means cultivating 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims individuals, corporations, or foundations Agreement. that will eventually become future endowers. Aside from program delivery in 2015- 16, the college will be examining how it Attainment of post-secondary education can continue to enhance its student is becoming more of a goal and reality services to ensure that the health and for Nunavummiut. At our fall 2014 well-being of its students is maintained. cabinet retreat, direction was provided to Academic success is both physical and my officials to develop a discussion mental well-being. paper on the establishment of a university in Nunavut. The college is The college will be continuing its preparing a discussion paper that will development of the Inuit Language and examine the pros and cons and possible Culture Centre of Excellence. The Inuit options and models for the establishment Language and Culture Centre of of a university in Nunavut. Excellence is part of the foundation for the eventual creation of a university Some possible options are a standalone college. The establishment of the Inuit university, a university college, and Language and Culture Centre of possibly there are the three territories, Excellence will enable the college to: the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, where we considered a Develop, maintain, and deliver pan-territorial university, an Inuit quality, comprehensive, relevant Nunaat university, or a combination of
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2405 these options. There are a number of Committee on Social Wellness have other considerations that will also need opening comments? Mr. Joanasie. to be explored, such as a governance model, enabling legislation and Mr. Joanasie (interpretation): Thank infrastructure. Those are other you, Mr. Chairman. As the Chair of the considerations we have to keep in mind. Standing Committee on Social Wellness, I am pleased to make opening comments (interpretation ends) I believe in the as we begin deliberations on the importance of communication. proposed 2015-16 budget of Nunavut Communication is important in order to Arctic College. ensure that the college facilities are utilized to the extent possible and Mr. Chairman, the college’s total budget Nunavummiut take advantage of the is made up of a base contribution from training and education opportunities the Government of Nunavut, third party available to them. The board of funding, and revenue from other sources, governors has expressed the same desire such as tuition fees. The Government of and initiated a student stories contest. Nunavut’s proposed contribution of Students write and submit stories $32,625,000 to Nunavut Arctic College describing their experience at the college for 2015-16 is a slight increase over the and how attending the college has contribution amount approved for 2014- impacted their lives. A prize is also 15. Nunavut Arctic College anticipates going to be awarded. an overall budget of close to $48 million for 2015-16, including third party (interpretation) The college has been funding and other sources. examining how it can improve communication within the college to Mr. Chairman, Nunavut Arctic College potential students and to the community plays an important role in preparing, at large. I am confident that forthcoming training, and educating Nunavummiut changes will only serve to enhance for our economy, our public service, and communication. our future. The standing committee recognizes that the college will focus on Even though the college’s overall budget training in early childhood education, increase is minimal, I would like the strengthening Inuit language and culture members to know that a significant components within several fields, as well amount of future planning is being as working closely with the government undertaken in 2015-16. This is the and other partners to improve reason why I spoke about some of the employment opportunities for aforementioned items. Nunavummiut through training and education. Mr. Chairman, I would be pleased to answer any questions that members Mr. Chairman, standing committee might have. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. members have noted a significant need for training and certifying Nunavummiut Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, in health and wellness careers, Minister. Does the Chair of the Standing specifically in the area of mental health counselling and social work. Members
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2406 strongly encourage the college to renew Mr. Chairman, that concludes my its focus on course delivery options in opening remarks. Individual members this area. While the committee has noted may also have questions and comments the ongoing success of the Arctic as we proceed. Thank you, Mr. Nursing Program, members encourage Chairman. the college in its efforts to provide additional supports for new graduates Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, and ensure that they receive the Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation ends) Well necessary instruction, mentorship, and read. (interpretation) If members have assistance to truly succeed in filling any general comments on the opening nursing positions across our territory. comments, I now give you the floor, but please note that the contents of the The standing committee continues to opening comments are covered in the recommend that the college increase branches of the college. If you have programs relating to language services detailed questions, ask them under the and in particular, stresses the need for appropriate branch. the development and delivery of Interpreter/Translator Programs and If there any general comments, I now certification. Members recognize that give you the floor. There being none. investments are being made in the We will go to page M-3. Department college’s Inuit Language and Culture Summary. Nunavut Arctic College. Centre of Excellence as well as in the Nunavut Arctic College. Total Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School and look Operations and Maintenance, to be forward to receiving updates on progress Voted. Mr. Hickes. in this area. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, community learning I would like to start off with one of the centres play an important role in the comments that were put in the business delivery of programs at the community plan on IT bandwidth and satellite access level, enabling community residents to for online learning activities. I was improve their skills as well as to prepare noting with some interest in the for opportunities in further education or document that the minister tabled employment. The standing committee yesterday on enhancing adult basic recognizes that there are significant education in Nunavut. I noticed that challenges in delivering courses and there was a section in there that programming to communities and highlights some of the work that has regions using online distance learning. been going on in the e-learning sector. The standing committee encourages college representatives to continue As the minister is, I’m sure, very much working with officials from the aware, I have brought this up with a Department of Community and couple of ministers of the challenge that Government Services and the we have in Nunavut of accessing Department of Education to find cost- suitable bandwidth, especially for effective solutions for providing education purposes, as I have spoken sufficient bandwidth and satellite access about in the House here. What ongoing for online learning opportunities. discussions are occurring? As I stated to
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2407 the Minister of Community and I don’t know if I specifically answered Government Services just a couple of your question. Thank you, Mr. weeks ago, there just doesn’t seem to be Chairman. a light at the end of the tunnel for increasing bandwidth for Nunavummiut. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Maybe if the Minister of Arctic College Minister. Mr. Hickes. would be able to respond to that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The minister may want to defer this to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, the Minister of Education, but one of the Mr. Hickes. Minister Quassa. concerns that I have been trying to focus on and as the minister just alluded to, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): there is a focused bandwidth that is used Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank for education purposes. my colleague for that question. If it is okay with you, Mr. Chairman, we have I believe, during Education’s another official who is sitting in the appearance, I asked the minister a gallery and I would like to introduce her. question on this topic. The response was Elaine Uppahuak-Prusky works with that they were looking at scheduling Nunavut Arctic College. She is one of different peak hours for different regions the officials here and I just wanted to for different schools. I realize that it’s introduce her to my colleagues. not as simple to increase the bandwidth, but that seems like a fairly arduous task (interpretation ends) The college in itself to try and coordinate different certainly has had discussions with schools across three time zones to Industry Canada regarding the achieve maximum availability of what bandwidth capacity. Certainly, as the bandwidth is available. member stated very clearly, there are no short-term fixes at all for this issue and I can’t stress enough and I truly hope at this time, influencing the future Industry Canada is paying attention to direction of industry of policy is the the proceedings and to this topic that I focal point. keep bringing up. You had mentioned that you yourself had brought this to the We certainly continue working with the attention of the Minister responsible for Department of Community and Industry Canada. In the dialogue with Government Services to find ways to the federal government, has there been increase bandwidth capacity. Again, any progress? Is there a light at the end because the college and the Department of the tunnel? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. of Education share a core business network, we have agreed to work Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. together to identify potential Hon. Minister. opportunities to maximize bandwidth usage and plan for anticipated future Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): growth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) To see the light at the end of the tunnel, if you don’t mind,
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Mr. Chairman, I would like my president We’re kind of hoping to draft most of of Nunavut Arctic College to further the policy document that will make us respond to this wonderful question. see the light at the end of the tunnel. It should be coming sooner rather than Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. later. I would like to say that progress is Ma, to the wonderful question. moving fast, but as you know, working with our federal counterparts sometimes Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As is a bit arduous and slow. Thank you, the minister has indicated, the lead is Mr. Chairman. actually with the Department of Community and Government Services. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Ma. Mr. Hickes. However, having said that, I had the opportunity in December, I think it was, Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. to speak to some officials from Industry To use a poor analogy, I hope that the Canada that were here at the time. I was light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a train. given a short presentation on some of the opportunities for Nunavummiut to I would like to draw attention to the participate in the workforce. letter of expectation. I believe it’s on the second page where it speaks under the Thanks for reminding me to speak slow; topic of achieving academic excellence I tend to get a little excited. and it speaks to the PLAR program, or recognition of prior learning, for people At that time, we had some discussions who aren’t familiar with it, and that it be and basically, as the minister indicated, incorporated into all programs. the view is that if we can influence their longer term thinking from a policy Now, in the letter of expectation, the perspective, then we can kind of move minister is requesting quarterly reports. I forward. think it’s safe to assume that the minister and his officials will be up to speed on Now, I could be wrong because I didn’t how the PLAR program is working. I really listen intently when the was involved with some of the early Department of Community and design of the program and helping roll it Government Services was up, but I out a little bit when I was with the think, at that time, they indicated also Department of Education. We saw a lot that they had some conversations with of potential for that program. I would Industry Canada as well. just like to see: is that potential being realized? Maybe if the minister would be I think you yourself indicated that there able to just update me on how the PLAR was a report. I think it’s called Canada program is working and what type of 150 or something like that. Because results are being achieved. Thank you, Canada’s anniversary is coming up in Mr. Chairman. 2017, the federal government also has a dream. If we’re going to get there with Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. them, they kind of need to help us out. Minister Quassa.
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Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): on your feet first before I start asking Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If it’s okay any more questions on that topic. with you, Mr. Chairman, my president will respond to the question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, maybe if you can just Mr. Chairman. clarify if this is under M-3, which is just all-encompassing, or am I limited to the Chairman: Mr. Ma, nice and slow. scope of questions I can ask? For clarification, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the gentle reminder. Chairman: Everything is under M-3; all is under M-3. The information items As Member Hickes has indicated, start at N-I-1, for your information. PLAR, prior learning and recognition, Anything and everything under Nunavut gives you credit for things that you Arctic College is fair game. Mr. Hickes. already have taken in school so that you don’t have to repeat something again. It Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, doesn’t make sense to repeat something for that clarification. I appreciate it. if you already have done it. One of the priorities in the business plan I would say at this point that progress is for 2015-16 is to develop coursework for slow and I’ll tell you why. The entrepreneurship training. We had some individual who was in charge of what we early discussions on this. Again, I very call the academic affairs section recently much appreciate how much work a new passed away. That’s a huge gap that we entrepreneur has to… . They kind of need to fill. In addition to that, two of have to be a jack of all trades, whatever the people who actually work in that business that they’re specializing in, area have resigned and one of them has from finance to human resources to a left the territory. number of different avenues to run a successful business. Having said that, we’ve had a conversation because I know the I was just wondering if the minister individual personally and she is willing could just describe the entrepreneurship to help us get some things going until we program, what it will deliver, and who can hire an individual to replace her and will be eligible to enrol in it. Thank you, others. I would say at this point that it’s Mr. Chairman. a bit of a challenge because of those human resource capacity issues at this Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. point. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister Quassa.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ma. Mr. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Hickes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for that good question. Let us be aware Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that this is a new program and it’s in the I appreciate the frankness of that answer early stages. We want to look at tourism and it’s something I will probably follow and I believe that we discussed this quite with down the road. I’ll let you guys get lengthily earlier. Perhaps we will
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2410 probably be able to get assistance from Chairman: Mr. Ma. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Kakivak Association, and Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. By Nunavut Tourism. With their assistance, way of background, the student records we want to work on that. As I stated, system that we have is pretty antiquated. we’re in the early stages of dealing with It goes back to the days when we were this. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. still part of the Northwest Territories, so it obviously needs replacing. In moving Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, forward, we have to think about other Minister. Mr. Hickes. systems that are connected to it. For example, we have something called Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Multiview, which is basically our I’ll follow up with that at a later date as accounting and finance system that well, Mr. Chairman. needs to tie into this. The second system that needs to tie into this is also the One of the things that intrigued me curriculum management system. All within the administrative services was three systems have to tie in together. the Department of Family Services with its FANS database and the Department At the current time, we’re also of Education with its student records upgrading to the latest version of database have updated their student Multiview, which is the accounting and information systems. As I was speaking finance system. Because we’re not the to summer student employment and information technology experts, the linking academic studies to employment Department of Community and opportunities, in my opinion, it’s kind of Government Services is working with us a natural progression for the college to on this. We just recently met with them modernize its student records system as and our officials. Coincidentally, the well. GNWT is also looking to replace their student records system at the same time. What are the college’s plans and if those We’re having some early discussions of, plans are ongoing, what consideration perhaps, working together because this has been given to linking with the other will not be an easy process. We’re two databases? Thank you, Mr. looking at a number of different software Chairman. platforms that we could possibly use.
Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. I think this is probably, again, one of Minister Quassa. those items that we will continue to update members with. At this point in Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): time, we know that we have somebody Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Maybe I’ll set aside to do an initial feasibility study. give you a brief response. Through The actual cost of the student records Arctic College, we have allocated system is something we’re probably $150,000 for that. If it’s okay with you, going to have to come back into the Mr. Chairman, the president of Arctic House for additional monies in terms of College could explain further. Thank the capital plan at some point in time. you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ma. Mr. Association (interpretation) to see how Hickes. we could improve this program for the nursing students. As we know, the Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Registered Nurses I’ll ask probably just one final question Association of Northwest Territories because there are other members that (interpretation) and Nunavut has want to get their points across as well. reviewed this fall and we’re waiting for recommendations from organizations or Previously, the minister and officials and groups to see how we can improve the I have brought up the topic of nursing Nursing Program. I’m sure that it’s grads. I have spoken to the House in past going to be reviewed properly because instances of making sure they have the we would like the students to succeed at supports that are needed upon graduation Nunavut Arctic College. Thank you, Mr. to be able to flow seamlessly into the Chairman. workforce. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, One of the issues that I was kind of Minister. Mr. Hickes. surprised when we were talking was that during the learning period, during the Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. practicum where they actually go out My apologies for having another into the workforce for short periods of question. time to actually get hands-on experience, there is no instructor participation during With the organizations that are doing that component of their education. this review and evaluating the progress of this program, would it not be a good From what I understood from our idea for your facility to approach that discussions, in other jurisdictions, an topic now to make sure that it’s included instructor goes along with the nursing in the review process? Other student during the practicum experience. jurisdictions do it and some don’t. As If they’re in ER, for example, they’re part of an evaluation process, it might be working with ER nurses, but the a good tool to utilize now instead of instructor is also there to help evaluate, waiting for a review or a report or at the coach, and teach at the same time. From very least, have it included in that review our earlier discussions, has there been or report. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. any progress on that? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Minister Quassa. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Hickes. Minister Quassa. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As I said Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): before, it’s under review at this time. For Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my that reason, we want to wait for the colleague for that question. What I can report first so that we will know what the say is that we’re waiting for the recommendations are. That’s a very recommendations from the good question, though, but we want to (interpretation ends) Registered Nurses wait until the review and report is done.
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We thought that it was better this way. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Your question is a very good one to Minister. Maybe you can repeat your consider. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. question, Mr. Savikataaq.
Chairman: Thank you, Minister Quassa. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Hickes, you wouldn’t want to waste Chairman. Arviat is one of the the rest of your time, would you? Mr. decentralized communities and I would Hickes. just like to ask the minister if any positions from Arctic College Mr. Hickes: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. headquarters, any PYs have been moved I have just made a liar out of myself. out of there temporarily or permanently in the last 12 months. Thank you. When is this review due? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (Mr. Akoak): Minister Quassa. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Hickes. (interpretation ends) Hon. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for the clarification. Elaine is here now Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): and she is the (interpretation ends) senior Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We have business officer. (interpretation) She is been expecting it for quite a while and the only one that we have moved. Thank we’re still expecting it. That’s all I can you, Mr. Chairman. respond with, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. Chairman: Thank you. (interpretation) Thank you, Minister. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Under the decentralized plan Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. or agreement, if you move a position Chairman. When the headquarters office out, you have to move one back in. Can was established in Arviat, the president’s the minister state what position he is position used to be there and then they moving back into Arviat and when? moved it away. I would just like to ask Thank you. the minister if any other positions have been temporarily or permanently moved Chairman: Minister Quassa. out of Arviat in the last 12 months. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my Hon. Minister. colleague for that question. We do believe in decentralization because it’s Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): our responsibility. Please note that the Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If we position will not be permanently moved remember, during 2007, it was moved here. It’s going to be moved here for from Arviat. I don’t think we understood three years and then it will return to the second question and I apologize. Mr. Arviat. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman, perhaps he can repeat it.
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Chairman: Mr. Savikataaq. not in sort of the headquarters area or in Iqaluit, that person in that position Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. misses out on some of the growth Chairman. Can the minister clarify why opportunities by actually physically it has to be moved here for three years? being here. Thank you. For example, coming here to the Chairman: Minister Quassa. Assembly this evening is a great learning experience for her. She can see how well Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): or not well we’re answering your Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Perhaps my questions. All those things will help her boss… . I mean he is not my boss. grow, I think, as the senior business officer. Certainly, at this point in time, >>Laughter the plan is to have her return to Arviat, but I think the experience will really The president of Nunavut Arctic College make her a much better person within can answer that, Mr. Chairman, if you the college. That is my personal don’t mind. perspective on that. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman: Mr. Ma. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Ma. Mr. Mr. Ma: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I Savikataaq. think both the minister and I are both a little bit scared because our former boss Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. is sitting right over there, Mr. Keyootak. Chairman. Was that the original plan, to We all used to work for him at Qikiqtani start the position off in Arviat and move Inuit Association. it here or did it evolve? When someone drew up the proposal to open up a job If I can answer Member Savikataaq’s there, the whole program must have question, I think part of the rationale for been laid out. I was wondering if that moving it here at the time was that it was part of the whole program. Thank would give Elaine, who is sitting behind you. me, some exposure to some of the day- to-day activities that go on in the senior Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. business officers’ area. For example, she Hon. Minister. has to work very closely the bursar, who is Marcelo, who is sitting beside the Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): minister to his right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also want my fellow member to understand that it In my personal conversations with is only a temporary move. They are only Elaine, and maybe she wants to get up here for a while. I can say that it is not a and answer herself, she has felt the total move here. It benefits the position experience so far in Iqaluit has really and it will go back to Arviat as part of helped her. I think it is important to have decentralization. Thank you, Mr. decentralized positions. The front and Chairman. key positions like that, because they are
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Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Savikataaq.
Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will ask the same question Chairman. I would recommend that he again to the minister. Was that part of think about it, though. Arctic College the proposal in the beginning or did this headquarters was quite a bit bigger at plan evolve? That’s a simple question. one time and it’s just slowly being Thank you. dwindled down. The three years is temporary, but things change in three Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. years. Just like when the position first (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. opened up, he stated that there were no plans to bring that position out of Arviat, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): but now there is. If he could reconsider Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It was not putting something there in the interim, originally planned like that. However, there must be something. Thank you. job positions are sometimes moved to Iqaluit to help them realize more things Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. and it helps them understand how we (interpretation ends) I don’t know if operate in Iqaluit, but it was not there was a question there, but I think originally planned like that at the Mr. Savikataaq is strongly urging the beginning. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. minister to reconsider. Hon. Minister.
Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Mr. Savikataaq. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my colleague for thinking about this. The Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. (interpretation ends) manager of finance Chairman. The minister just stated that trainee (interpretation) has been in it’s just for a short while, but he did state Arviat for three years. There is that three years. Is there anyway he can put a position. position there temporarily for three years? Maybe there is one here in Iqaluit As I stated earlier, our workers that needs some decentralized training or sometimes move to different something like that. Are there any plans communities with their jobs. We would for him to put another position in Arviat like our staff to become more proficient for three years? Thank you. and transfer them temporarily somewhere else for a while with plans to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. bring them back to their community. We (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. believe in what we call (interpretation ends) decentralization. (interpretation) Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We haven’t made any plans or considerations in that Chairman: Thank you, Minister. Mr. regard. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Savikataaq.
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Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. Chairman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thought I was done, but the Mikkungwak. Hon. Minister. minister just stated that it’s better for the workers and the trainees to come to Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Iqaluit. Does he have any plans of Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank my moving any more jobs to Iqaluit? Thank colleague for asking that question. Right you. now, for the very first time in Kugluktuk, there is an Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. interpreter/translator program happening (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. and right now, there are eight students taking part in that program. Thank you, Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. No. Thank you. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. (interpretation) So there are Mr. Savikataaq: Thank you, Mr. eight students. I asked about Chairman. This is just a comment. I (interpretation ends) mobile training to thank him for not wanting to move any entice, introduce, or promote more of more jobs out of Arviat because we need this interpreter/translator course. Has every job we have there. Thank you. there been any movement in that direction? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Savikataaq. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. Hon. Minister. Chairman. Welcome to the minister and his officials. I guess I will start off by Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): (interpretation) Nunavut Arctic College Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Can you funding for language programs, explain your question better? I didn’t including the interpreter/translator really understand it. programs, which has not been increased for 2015-16. It has not been increased at Chairman (interpretation): Please all. reiterate your question, Mr. Mikkungwak. (interpretation ends) Given the ongoing need for trained and certified language Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. specialists across the government, what Chairman. As the minister may recall, I supports and resources are being did ask him an oral question. I’m not provided to deliver the sure when now, but I did ask him an oral interpreter/translator diploma courses question regarding mobile training. For across Nunavut? Thank you, Mr. example, in my community of Baker Chairman. Lake, there are individuals who are interested in an interpreter/translator
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2416 course. There are some who do not want Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you, Mr. to take the course here, but they would Chairman. As the minister has indicated, like to try it out at the beginning stages I look forward to those documents. I’ll in Baker Lake. I was thinking more in patiently wait for those documents. the lines of a mobile pilot project for an interpreter/translator course. Maybe In addition to that, the Legislative there, you could really determine if there Assembly of Nunavut has encouraged are individuals who are very keen and the college to focus on providing interested in the Interpreter/Translator opportunities for interpreter/translators Diploma Program. Thank you, Mr. to train for careers in legislative Chairman. interpreting or as court interpreters. What is the progress in this area? Thank Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak. Minister Quassa. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We haven’t really heard about what my colleague is Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): talking about, but please be aware that in Thank you, Mr. Chairman. From my Baker Lake, there are three courses in understanding, the president of Nunavut the Interpreter/Translator Program. They Arctic College has met with Clerk John will start in the spring of 2015 in Baker Quirke recently and talked about just Lake. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. that. That’s my reply. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. Mr. Mikkungwak: Are those three courses in modules or can he elaborate a Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): little bit more in detail? Thank you, Mr. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Chairman. can say that being bilingual in Inuktitut and English can be somebody’s strength Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. to get jobs. With that being the case, (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. what has Nunavut Arctic College planned in that regard? Thank you, Mr. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We can probably give you more information on Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. the three courses that I referred to at a (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. later date, but I’m not able to give you details on it right now. Thank you, Mr. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is very important and interpreters are used all Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. over the place. Sometimes we’re lacking We will expect the details at a later date. in interpreters, so we need new Mr. Mikkungwak. interpreters.
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As I stated earlier, for the very first time Baker Lake. Ever since I have been in in Kugluktuk, there is an Igloolik, we have seen the progress interpreter/translator program happening ourselves and we’re proud of it and and we would like to see those continue they’re still progressing. We would like because they are very important. We them to continue like that. want to make sure that we work hard in communications to see how our students As I stated earlier, we really want to see can become teachers and we want to something like that happening in the make sure that people who are interested Kitikmeot region. We are looking into in further education know that we are that because it really helps with the Inuit available for their education. We know culture. As a government, the Inuit how important education is. Thank you, culture and societal values are our Mr. Chairman. foundations for the work that we do for the future. We totally support those Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, programs and would like them to Minister Quassa. Mr. Mikkungwak. continue, even though they are outside of Clyde River. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I Clyde River has 22 students right now would like to move on to a different line and I know the communities will benefit of questioning. from these. The communities are proud of them. We would like it to continue We know that in Nunavut, we have the and we totally support it. Thank you, Mr. Piqqusilirivvik Cultural School and it Chairman. has (interpretation ends) satellite communities. (interpretation) One of the Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, satellite communities is Baker Lake. I’m Minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. always supporting the one in Baker Lake and they teach the people of Baker Lake. Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): I have seen and have heard that they Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. teach culture and other things. The minister seems to be psychic and knows what I’m about to ask. How is Nunavut Arctic College going to help Piqqusilirivvik more and the He already responded to one of my other (interpretation ends) satellite questions that I was going to ask. In communities? (interpretation) Thank regard to the satellite communities of you, Mr. Chairman. Baker Lake and Igloolik, how many students do they have or how many Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. students have gone to those satellite (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. communities to date? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. These Chairman: Hon. Minister. communities that are outside of Clyde River where Piqqusilivvik is do Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): progress. There is one in Igloolik and Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don’t have
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 Nunavut Hansard 2418 the figures in front of me, but I’m sure will provide you the information. Thank that there are different modules or you, Mr. Chairman. different courses offered in the winter, spring, and summer. I will be able to get Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. those numbers and give them to you. I We will also look forward to that don’t have them in front of me at this information, minister. Mr. Mikkungwak. time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Mikkungwak: Thank you. I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, understand the information will be Minister. We will look forward to that. provided for the decrease, but in addition Mr. Mikkungwak. to that, maybe the minister and the officials can answer this. Maybe it will Mr. Mikkungwak (interpretation): be provided in the document also. Is it Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman because the number of students across and the minister. We will look forward Nunavut has declined for adult learning to getting that information. in the community learning centres across Nunavut? Moving on to another subject, the community learning centres, looking at I’m just puzzled. When we look at the monies and looking at the funding Sivumut Abluqta, education is number that will be given to all the communities, one. When you look at a decrease in there is a decrease in the amount. Why is community learning centres, I’m just it that there is a decrease to this amount? puzzled by the decrease as to why that That’s the amount of funding allocated is. Maybe if they can include in the to community learning centres. Thank document that there aren’t enough you, Mr. Chairman. students applying or what. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Minister Quassa. Chairman (interpretation): Mr. Mikkungwak, I believe that was just a Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): comment. Could you also have that Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank information be made available so that we the member for that question. I told you will know exactly where we stand? Did that I have information that is you understand Mr. Mikkungwak’s outstanding. Please look forward to this comments, (interpretation ends) Hon. information again. Marcelo will be Minister? responding to the question, if it’s okay with you, Mr. Chairman. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, understood his comments. Thank you, Minister. Mr. Parungao. Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Parungao: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I have to go in the detailed Minister. We also look forward to that analysis of the decreased budget and we information that you said you will provide. Ms. Angnakak.
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Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I would like to ask just a few Ms. Angnakak. (interpretation ends) questions. Something that came up when Hon. Minister. we were last sitting in the fall was issues surrounding the students at Ukiivik and Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): some of the concerns that were raised Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank there by the students in regard to the my colleague for that question. I can’t asbestos. I’m just wondering if you can give you the numbers right now. I’m give us an update on that. What’s going sure that there were quite a number of on with the courses there? Thank you, programs that didn’t go ahead, but I Mr. Chairman. can’t give you a definite number. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Ms. Angnakak. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We are Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. working with the Department of Chairman. Can I get the minister to Community and Government Services agree to provide that information? Thank and to date, we haven’t heard any more you, Mr. Chairman. concerns regarding Ukiivik. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) Will you agree to Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, provide that information, Hon. Minister? Minister. Ms. Angnakak. Hon. Paul Quassa: Mr. Chairman, I Ms. Angnakak: Thank you, Mr. agree. Chairman. That’s good to hear because I think there was a lot of concern there. It >>Laughter is good that those concerns are being addressed. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Minister. Ms. Angnakak. This is something totally different. I’m just looking at your business plan, page Ms. Angnakak: Thank you very much, 15, and I look at the third party Mr. Chairman. The other thing that is on contracts. The first bullet under it was to my mind is the mental health program “Deliver a first year Management and I brought it up with the health Studies program,” but that couldn’t be minister because I understand that the delivered because the funding was not funding came from them. Where are you secured. at with your discussions over the delivery of that program? When do you How many courses do you offer that expect to be able to deliver that program depend on third party contracts and how again? Thank you, Mr. Chairman. many courses were not offered because you didn’t get the funding? Thank you, Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Chairman. (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister.
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Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): I would also like to thank Peter Ma, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I also thank Marcelo, and Elaine for being here with the member for that question. Just me and putting all the information recently, we had a meeting with the together. Department of Health. I think it was on March 6 last Friday. We call it Have a good evening. Thank you. niaqulirijiit in Inuktitut, (interpretation ends) the mental health worker program, Chairman: Qujannamiik, Hon. Minister (interpretation) and we discussed how (interpretation) and your officials. we can resurrect that course. We are also Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the going to be working closely with the minister’s officials out. (interpretation ends) the Department of Family Services (interpretation) to get Thank you, Sergeant-at-Arms. Mr. that program going again. It’s in the Rumbolt. works. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Rumbolt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Chairman. I move to report progress. Minister. Are you done, Ms. Angnakak? Thank you. We are on page M-3. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you, Department Summary. Nunavut Arctic Mr. Rumbolt. We have a motion on the College. Nunavut Arctic College. Total. floor and the motion is not debatable. All Operations and Maintenance. those in favour, raise your hand. Thank $32,625,000. Agreed? you. I will now rise to report progress.
Some Members: Agreed. Speaker (interpretation): Item 20. Report of the Committee of the Whole. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Mr. Enook. Do the members agree that we have concluded Nunavut Arctic College? Item 20: Report of the Committee of the Whole Some Members: Agreed. Mr. Enook (interpretation): Mr. Chairman (interpretation): Thank you. Speaker, your committee has been (interpretation ends) Hon. Minister, considering Bill 16 and would like to (interpretation) as we conclude this item, report progress and that one committee I would like to give you an opportunity motion was adopted. Also, Mr. Speaker, to make any closing remarks. Minister I move that the Report of the Committee Quassa. of the Whole be concurred with. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Paul Quassa (interpretation): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First of all, I Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. would like to thank my colleagues for There is a motion on the floor. Is there a their questions. I will make sure that all seconder? Mr. Joanasie. (interpretation the detailed information will be made ends) The motion is in order. All those available. All this information has been in favour. Opposed. The motion is very helpful to us. carried.
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Item 21. Third Reading of Bills. Item 22. 17. First Reading of Bills Orders of the Day. Mr. Clerk. 18. Second Reading of Bills
Item 22: Orders of the Day 19. Consideration in Committee of
the Whole of Bills and Other Clerk (Mr. Quirke): Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A reminder of meetings for Matters tomorrow, the meeting of the Regular
Members’ Caucus at nine o’clock in the Bill 1 Nanuq Boardroom and at ten o’clock, a Bill 11 meeting of the Management and Services Board in the Tuktu Boardroom. Bill 12 Bill 13 Orders of the Day for March 12: Bill 14 1. Prayer Bill 15
2. Ministers’ Statements Bill 16 3. Members’ Statements Bill 17 4. Returns to Oral Questions Bill 18 5. Recognition of Visitors in the Bill 19 Gallery 20. Report of the Committee of the 6. Oral Questions Whole 7. Written Questions 21. Third Reading of Bills 8. Returns to Written Questions 22. Orders of the Day 9. Replies to Opening Address Thank you. 10. Petitions 11. Responses to Petitions Speaker (interpretation): Thank you. (interpretation ends) This House stands 12. Reports of Standing and Special adjourned until Thursday, March 12, Committees on Bills and Other 2015, at 1:30 p.m.
Matters (interpretation) Sergeant-at-Arms. 13. Tabling of Documents >>House adjourned at 19:56 14. Notices of Motions 15. Notices of Motions for First Reading of Bills 16. Motions Motion 20 – 4(2)